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History of Adair County 



BY- 



E. M. VIOLETTE 

Professor of Histor)/, State X^ormal School, 
Kirkfirille, Mo. 



T ( ) ({ETHER AV I T H 



"leminiscenses and Biographical Sketches 

Edited by C. N. TOLMAN 



Photos by W. M. DENS LOW 



I'UI', LIS H E I) BY 

The Denslow History Company 

1 9 1 li 
C. N. ToLMAN, Pres. W. M. Densi.ow, Sec. W. S. Vawter. Tkkas. 






JOURNAL PRINTING COMPANY 
KIRKSVILLE. - - MISSOURI 



96 



To THE 

Memory of the 

Early Pioneers of Adair County 

This Work is Dedicated 

BY the Author 



Preface 



A.s the title of this work suggests, tlie responsihihty for its contents 
is divided. For Part First I alone am responsible; for the other parts, 
I am in no wise responsible, as they were composed and edited by other 
hands. 

When asked by the Denslow History Com]:)any a year and a half 
ago to write an historical sketch of Adair County, I thought I appreci- 
ated somewhat the nature of the task, and consented to do it only after 
giving the matter some consideration. But I did not think it would 
entail as much labor as it actually has. 1 undertook it with the avowed 
intention of doing my best to make the History of Adair County some- 
what different from the ordinary- county histories. To do that meant 
a great deal of investigation which may never ajjpear to the general 
reader as having ever been made. While carrying on some of my in- 
vestigations I was frequently advised by different ones not to spend 
so much time upon them, and I was freciuently told that the only read- 
ers of the book would be those whose biograiihical sketches constitute 
the last part and that they would be interested only in their own biog- 
raphies. It may be that the historical part will attract very few, but 
whether that be the case or not, I have the personal satisfaction of hav- 
ing endeavored to do the work thoroughly all the way through. 

No claim is hereby made to infallibility. I am more fully aware 
of the defects than any critic may ever point out. Since m_v part of 
the work has gotten into print, I have discovered some errors and have 
greatly regretted I had made them. I have done all I could under the 
circumstances to correct them by mentioning them in the page of er- 
rata on page 1169. Other errors may be found by those who chance to 
read this book. I shall consitler it a great favor if readers will point 
these errors out to me as they discover them. I have found the prep- 
aration of this sketch interesting though at times laborious, and I shall 
always be glad of an oj^portvmity of discovering any mistake I have made. 

I anticipate that more excejotions will l)e taken to the chapters 
on Early Settlements and on the Civil War than any others. Time 
was not sufficient to enable me to investigate the early settlements as 
I would have liked to do. I had therefore to make the chapter on that 
subject briefer than I think it ought to be. I have possibly committed 
a great offense against a good many people in not including the names 



VI The History of Adair County. 

of certain persons among those who are named as having come to this 
county as the first white settlers. I found it very risky to accept the 
chiims made by many people that their ancestors were the first to do 
this, that, or the other. To my great surprise and amusement, I have 
come across the names of five or six people who have it claimed for them 
that each one was the first white child horn in Kirksville, and of these, 
some were born almost five years after the town was laid out. Because 
of the great uncertainty of family traditions, I have been compelled to 
r(\iect many of them. Of those accepted, there is no assurance that they 
are all trustworthy. 

Since there are no footnotes to indicate the sources from which I 
have drawn my information, it may not be out of place for me to indi- 
cate here briefly some of the more important sources that have been 
used. The official records of the county and of the incorporated towns 
and villages have been extensively used. Unfortunately the records 
of the county and of Kirksville prior to 1865 are very meagre because of 
the burning of the court house in that year. There are many facts 
that one would like to know concerning both the county and the town 
that can never be known because the records are gone forever. How- 
ever, the records in the office of the Secretary of State at Jefferson City 
were made to yield up some of the facts that had been recorded in the rec- 
ords that had been burned in the court house in 1865. The published 
reports of the various state officials and bureaus, such as the Auditor, 
Superintendent of Public Schools, Bureau of Labor, and Bureau of 
Mining, were frequently invaluable sources of information. The chap- 
ter on the Civil War was written largely from the War Records of the 
United States CJovernment and from Dr. Joseph A. Mudd's recent book, 
entitled "With Porter in North Missouri." Of course, participants 
and witnesses were consulted as they were to be found. The account 
of the "Big Neck War" in 1829 was written from contemporaneous 
sources which were found in the files of the Missouri Intelligencer and 
Boon's Lick Advertiser for that year. The newspapers of Adair County 
have been thoroughly gleaned, and as there is an almost complete file 
reaching back to 1870, the county's history for the last forty years is 
very easily followed. In addition to the home papers, the early news- 
papers of Macon and of Palmyra were gleaned, and some scattered ma- 
terial gathered therefrom. For example, all that has l)een given con- 
cerning tiie contest over the creation of the grou]) of new counties in 
1841, of which Adair County was one, was found in the Palmyra Whig 
for that year. The old county history publishcMl in 1888 was occasion- 
;illy used, but generally just for the suggestions that it offered. If any 



PuEFAt'E. VII 

matter drawn from it was of vital im[)ortanc(', no statonicnt was taken 
unless verified ))y some more reliable source of information. Personal 
interviews with "old timers" have been held as ojij^ortunity would offer, 
but due caution has always been exercised in taking what has been 
gathered in this way. The memory of these interesting people is often 
treacherous, and their imagination freciuently shows evidence of incredil)le 
activity. 

The institutional method of treatment has been followed. It would 
have been much easier to have made a kind of chronicle out of the work 
and given in a straight narrative the events as they occurred from year 
to year. But the more difficult method of tracing the history of insti- 
tutions or movements was preferred, as this shows more nearly the life 
of the people than the other. 

I cannot close this preface without some mention of the help ren- 
dred by a great number of people in preparing this work. To mention 
each one separately would be impossible. But special mention must 
be made of Miss Reba Poison of Kirksville, and Col. F. A. Sampson 
and Professor Jonas Viles of Columbia. Miss Poison gathered most 
of the material for those sections dealing with the Rural Schools and the 
Kirksville Schools, and also for the Municipal Organization of Kirks- 
ville. I am also indebted to the Denslow History Company for the 
freedom they have granted me in the preparation of this sketch, and 
to the compositing force of the Journal Printing Company for their 
patience in handling the copy and proof. 

E. M. ViOLETTE. 

Kirksville, Missouri, 
May 31, 1911. 



Publishers' Statement 

In presenting this History of Adair County to the public, tlic i)ul)- 
Hshers believe they are putting out a work of which they can be justly 
proud. It has taken more than twice as long as was at first antici- 
pated, but time and labor have only added to its thoroughness, com- 
pleteness and value, and we trust will be all the more appreciated l)y 
the subscribers and the general public. It has been a stupenduous 
undertaking, greater than any of us realized, but we were determined 
to make it worthy and as complete as possible, no matter what the 
cost, and the time and the labor it entailed. We feel sure the work is 
a monument of its kind, a credit to its ]:)ublishers, the author and 
editors, and to Adair County. Competent critics, who have examined 
it, say it is the best thing of its kind ever issued in the West. 

Too much cannot be said for Mr. Violette, the author of the His- 
torical Section. He has, without doubt, made the most careful and 
exhaustive research possible in the time allotted to him. For accuracy, 
thoroughness and systematic treatment, we believe his part of the work 
is unexcelled by any county history anywhere. It was a much greater 
task than he realized at the outset, but he did not hesitate nor falter, 
laboring all the more assiduously to make it a work of which he might 
feel justly proud. The publishers fully api)reciate all that he has done, 
and trust that the consciousness of a task well done will help to com- 
pensate him for the labor involved. 

The other sections of the work were as carefully and systematically 
handled as possible under the circumstances, but errors have crept in, 
in spite of the utmost care and vigilance. 8ome of them are corrected 
under "Errata" in the back part of this volume. 

We believe we have every reason to feel proud of the illustrations 
used in this work. The cuts, matle by the Quincy Photo Engraving Co., 
are high-class and unusually artistic. The credit for the character of 
illustrations is due almost entirely to W. M. Denslow, proprietor of the 
Crand Studio and Secretary of the Company. While some few pictures 
liave been made by others, he has had entire charge of this part of the 
work. The illustrations themselves tell most clearly how well he has 
accomplished his task. It has entailed a vast amount of lal)<)r, as well 
as artistic skill and knowledge. 



X The History of Adair County. 

The press work is unusually excellent and reflects great credit on 
th(> Journal Printing Co., from whose well equipped plant this work is 
issued. 

We desire to express ovu- thanks to all who have assisted us in any 
way in the preparation and marketing of this work. So many have 
aided us that space will not permit them to be named here, but it is not 
inappropriate to mention a few who have lost no opportunity to give us 
needed assistance. To the writers of the reminiscences; W. T. Baird, 
P. F. Greenwood, Mrs. Jacob Waddill, Mrs. Otis Miller, T. J. Dockery 
and Geo. W. Cain, we feel deeply grateful. Their articles form one of 
the most interesting parts of this work. Thej' bring before us A^vid 
])ictures of scenes most of us have never known; glimpses of a fast 
fading frontier. To the writers of the excellent articles on the "Great 
Men," W. T. Baird, Mrs. G. A. Goben, John R. Kirk and others, we 
extend our sincere thanks. 

To Daniel and Jacob Novinger, H. C. Worman, G. B. Easley, E. B. 
Cami3bell, B. F. Heinj^ and others who assisted us in countless ways, 
we express our sincere appreciation. To the members of th(^ force of 
the Journal Printing Co., for their care and patience in handling copy 
and proof, as well as for their uniform courtesy, we are more than 
grateful. 

In closing, we desire to commend this work to our subscribers and 
to discriminating lovers of history, feeling sure that we have done better 
than we anticipated and more than we promised. 

The Denslow History Co. 
Kirksville, Mo., Sept. 25, 1911. 



Table of Contents 

PART I. 

CHAPTER I. 

Indian Mounds li-") 

Indian Hunt.in.u; ( irouiids. --Indian Mounds. — I'^xploriiiji; I^xpcditions. — Indian 
Collections. 

CHAPTER II. 

Early Settlements ()-17 

Indian Treaties. — Early Settlements in Missouri. — "The Cabins," Ihel'irst Set- 
tlement in Adair County, 1S28.— "Big Neck War," 1829.— Restoration of '"I'he 
Cabins," 1S30.— Ft. Madison and Ft. Clark.— Settlers between 1831 and 1S4(). 
— Claims of Early Settlers. — Pioneer Life and Conditions. — Places from wliicii 
Early Settlers came. 

CHAPTER III. 

The Growth of the County 18-23 

Census of Population, 1850-1910. — Land Entries. — Assessed N'alnations, 1844- 
1910. — Land Values. — Causes of Growth. 

CHAPTER IV. 

The Creation of the County 24-39 

Organization of Missouri Counties, 180.5-41. — Iowa and Missouri Boundary 
Dispute. — Act of 1841 creating Adair County: Provisions of the Original Bill; 
Opposition to the Bill; Passage of Amended Bill. — Hon. John Adair of Ken- 
tucky. — Boundaries of Adair County. — Selection of Coimty Seat. — County 
Seal. — The Five Townships of the County in 1845. — Creation of Other Town- 
ships, 1845-1898. — Naming of the Townships. 

CHAPTER V. 

County Organization 40-67 

Section I. — County Offickus. First Officers. — Changes in the Organization 
of the County Court, 1841-1877.— Changes in other County Offices, 1841- 
1905.— List of County Officers, 1841-1911.— The John ()\vcnl)y Case and the "Big 
Warrant."— Suspension of E. M. C. Morelock. 

Section II. — County Buildings. Court House: First Court House; Second 
Court House; Burning of Court House, April 12, 1865; Projwsitions to Vote- 
Bonds to build a Court House; Laying Cornerstone of Third Court House. — 
Jail: Early Jails; Projjositions to vote Bonds to build a Jail. — Almshouse. 
Section III. — Bonded Indebtedness. Railroad Bonds. — Normal School 
JJonds. — Court Hou.se Bonds. — Jail Bonds. — Licjuidation of all Bonds. 

CHAPTER VI. 

County Politics 68-81 

Predominance of Democratic Party in Adair County jjrior to 1860.- -Royali.st 
and .\nti-Royali.st Factions in the Democratic Party in .\dair County.— Rad- 
ical and Liberal iMictions in Kepublican Party in Missouri. - -l''orniat,ion ni He- 



XII The History of Adair County. 

]Kiblican Party in Adair County. — Contest between Liberals and Radicals in 
Adair County. — Campaign of 1870. — Campaign of 1872 and tlie Victory of the 
Independent County Ticket. — Campaign of 1874 and Victory of People's Party. 
— Vote in County on Con.stitution of 1875. — Campaign of 1876. — Campaign of 
1878 and Victory of Greenback- Democratic Ticket. — Campaigns of 1880, 1882, 
1884, 1886, and 1888.— Campaign of 1890 and the Victory of the Farmers' Tick- 
•^t. — Campaigns of 1892 and of 1894. — Free 8ilv(;r Campaign of 1896. — Cam- 
paigns of 1898, 1900 and 1902.— Folk Campaign of 1904. —Campaigns of 1906, 
1908, and 1910. — Conclusions concerning County Politics. 

CHAPTER VII. 

Civil War 82-108 

Se(;ti(jn 1. — Sl.wkhv in Adair Cch'nty. C(<ndition of Slavi's in the County. 
Section II. — Military Organizations. War Agitation. — "Union Democrat," 
August 23, 1861. — Home Ciuard Companies. — Skirmish on the We.stenhaver 
Farm, August 19, 1861. — Twenty-Seventh Infantry, Missouri Volunteers. — Thir- 
ty-Ninth Infantry, Missouri Volunteers: Massacre of Centralia; Battle of Cen- 
tralia. — Fiftieth Regiment, Enrolled Missouri Militia. — Eleventh Regiment Cav- 
alry, Missouri State Militia. — Twenty-Eighth Missouri State Militia. 
Section III. — B.^ttle of Kirks\ ili.e. Military Events in Missouri, January, 
'61-March, '62. — Confederate Plans for Recruiting in Missouri after March, 
'62. — Movements of Col. Joseph C. Porter in X()rthea,st Mi.ssouri prior to the 
Battle of Kirksville: Memphis; Vassar's Hill; Florida; Santa Fe; Moore's Mill; 
Newark; Kirksville.— Pursuit of Porter by Col. John McNeil.— The Battle.— 
The Killed and Wounded. — Execution of Confederate Captives. — Porter's Re- 
treat and McNeil's Pursuit.— Palmyra Massacre.— Whaley's Mill,— Dial ]i of 
Porter. — Subseciuent Career of McNeil. — Significance of the Battle. 

CHAPTER \III. 

The Churches 109-ir,0 

Section I. — Religious Conditions. Pioneer Preachers. — Camp Meetings 
and Revivals. — Churcli Buildings. — Religious Debates. 

Section II. — The Dexominations. M. E. Church: Kirksville; Brashear; 
Novinger; Connelsvillc; Sabbath Home-; Bethel; Cater Memorial; Bullion. — 
M. E. Church, South: Kirksville; Brashear; Trinity. — V . B. Church: Bra- 
shear; (libbs. — Baptist Church (Missionary): Bear Creek; Kirksville; Novin- 
ger; .Mill.uJ. -Baptist Church (Fr.e Will). — Christian Church; Kirksville; 
Brashear; Cibljs; Itlincis Bend. — C. P. Church: Kirksville; Mi.Moriah; .Mid- 
berry; Concord. — Presbyterian Churcli: Kirk>\ille; Millard.- l']pisc()p;dian 
Church: Kirksville. — Catholic Church: .\dair; Kirksville; Novinger. — Mis- 
cellaneous Chun'hes: Lutherans; I'liiNcrsalists; Swedenborgians; Si)iritualists; 
Salvalion .\riny: Iloliiuss Churcli — Bi'de Socitty — S. S. .\ssociation. 

cii.\p^ri':H IX. 

Fraternal, Patriotic, and Industrial Orders l.")l 16.") 

Sec'tio.v I.- -pR.vrKR.N al ( )iU)Kiis. .Masoiis: Kirksville; Brashear; Novinger. — 
Odd Fellows: Kirks\ille; Brashear; Xo\iiigcr. -Knights of Pythias; Kirks- 
ville; Novinger; Counelsville.- h'Jks: Kirksville. .\. O. l'. W.: Kirks\ille, 



Contents. xiii 

Section 11. — PATitioiir Ohdehs. ('<. A. H.: l\irks\ illc; liraslicar. Soldiers' 
Roiinions.— Sons of N'ctrrans.— W. R. C.— U. D. (_!.— I). A. R.— Craves of Kev- 
olutionary Soldiers. 

Section III. — Indistkial Oudkks. (!ran<2;<\ -Farmers' and Laborers' I'nion. 
— Lal)or Ors^anizations. 

CHArrER X. 

The Public Schools KKi-lSO 

Section 1. — The Riral Schools. Early School Legislation in Missouri. — 
Early Seliool Organization in Adair County. — Township School Funds. — Early 
Schools in the County. — Law of 1S55 on School Organization. — Supt. Greenwood 
on Schools in Salt Ri\-er aiul Wilson Townships in the Fifties. — Progre,ss of tlie 
Schools in the County since the Civil War. 

Section 11. — The Kirksville Schools. Early Schools. — School Buildings. — 
Enrollment and Daily Attendance. — Superintendents, 1S67-1911. — High School. 
Section 111. — The Schools of Smalle!{ Towns. Novinger — Brasliear. — 
Gibbs. — Connelsville. 

CHAPTER XI. 

The Normal School li)0-2-l() 

Agitation for State Normal Schools in Missouri. — Cumberland Academj'. — 
Founding of Northeast Missouri Normal School at Kirksville by J. Baldwin. — 
Law of 1870 providing for two State Normal Schools. — Adair County votes Bonds 
for a State Normal School. — Bid of Adair County for the Location of a State 
Normal School at Kirksville. — Location of First District Normal School at Kirks- 
ville. — Erection of Normal School Buildings. — Model Rural School. — Model 
School or Practice School. — President J. Baldwin. — Professor and Mrs. Ferris. — 
Professor Nason. — Professor and Mrs. Greenwood. — President Blanton. — Presi- 
dent Dobson. — President Kirk. — The Faculty. — The Board of Regents. — First 
Graduating Class. — Certification of Normal School Graduates. — The Librarj- 
and Laboratories. — Student Organizations. — Fortieth Anniversary Celebration, 
1907. — Statistics. — Summer School. — Appropriations. 

CHAPTER XII. 

Schools of Osteopathy 241-276 

Section 1. — The American School of Osteopathy. Dr. A. T. Still: Early 
Youth; Shawnee Mission, Kansas; Military Service during Civil War; Discovery 
of Osteopathy; The Theory of Osteopathy; Arrival in Kirksville; "Magnetic 
Healer" and "Lightning Bone Setter"; Itineraries; First Students in Osteopathy. 
— American School of O.steopathy: Incorporation; Early Opposition; First 
Graduating Class; Kirksville Bonus; Dedication of A. S. O. Building; Reincorpor- 
ation; Additions to the Building; Hospital; Consolidation of other Osteopathic 
Schools with A. S. ().; Course of Study; Tuition Fees; Faculty; Graduato>s; 
Student Body; Student Organizations. — Osteopathic Legislation. — American O.s- 
teopathic As.sociation : Session in Kirksville, 1901; Se.s.sion in Kirksville, 1908; 
Celebration of the "Old Doctor's" Eightieth Birthday. 

Section II. — The Columbian School of Osteopathy. Dr. M. L. Ward. — 
Columbian School of Osteopathy: Incorporation; Opening of the School; Dr. 
Ward on "Tru(- Osteopathy"; Erection of Building; Susix'iision of School. 



XIV The History of Adair County. 

CHAI'TER XIII. 

The County Press 277-286 

Bonj. Da\'i,s, First Printer in the County. — Kirksville Enterprise. — Denioerat: 
Consolidation with the Kirksville Enterprise; Issue of the "Union Demoerat" 
by the Third Iowa. — Patriot. — Journal: Early Editors; Destruction by Fire; 
Incorporation of Journal Printin"; Company; Equipment. — North Mis.souri 
I'ribune. — North Missouri Register: W. B. C. Gillespie. — Kirksville Democrat: 
Early L^ditors; Destruction by Fire; Incorj)oration of Kirksville Democrat Print- 
ing Company. — Graphic: W. M. Gill; T. E. Sublette. — Kirksville Dailies: 
Daily Journal; Daily Graphic; Daily Express. — Thrice-a-Week Echo. — Bra- 
shear Papers: Brashear Gazette; Salt River Bugle; Brashear Citizen; Brashear 
News. — Novinger Paper: Novinger Record. — Miscellaneous Papers: Pell 
Mcll Greenbacker; Adair County Farmer. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Industries 2S7-ol<) 

Section I. — Aghicxtlture and Stock Raising. Agricultural Yield in 1S7() and 
1909. — Farm Statistics for 1900. — Stock Raising: Prominent Stock Raisers; 
Live Stock Census, 1909. — Poultry Business. — Burk Packing Plant. — Cheese 
Factories and Creameries. — Surplus Products of Adair County, 1S91-1909. — 
Nursery Business. 

Section II. — Manufacturing. Cirain Milling Industry: Ely Mill; Kirksville 
Mills. — Woolen Mills. — Planing Mills. — Wagon and Axe-handle Factories. — 
Brick Yards. — Friedman-Shelby Shoe Factory: Activity of Kirksville Business 
Men's League in securing the Factory; Erection of Factory. — Railroad Tie In- 
dustry. 

Section III. — Coal Mining. Early Coal Mining in the County. — Growth of 
the Indu.stry. — The Three Veins. — Statistics compiled from the State Mine In- 
spector's Reports. — Effect of Coal Industry on the Towns of the County. — Prom- 
inent Coal Operators. 

Section IV. — County Fairs, .\dair County Agricultural and Mechanical As- 
sociation. — Adair County Fair .\ssociation. — Efforts to revive the Comity Fair. 

CHAPTER XV. 

Transportation Facilities .311-32() 

Section I. — Stages, F'erries and Brid(;es. Early Stage Lines and Schedules. 
— Ferries and Ferry Rates. — Early Bridges. 

Section II. — Railroads. Wabash Railroad: Incorporation of North Missouri 
Railroad; Adair County Bonds for North Missouri Railroad; Completion of the 
Road to Kirksville; Early Passenger Service; Change of Name to St. Louis, Kan- 
sas City and Northern Railroad; Change of Name to Wabash Railroad; Strik(> 
of 1894; Burning of Depots at Kirksville.— "O. K." Railroad: .Vgitation for a 
Railroad west from (^uincy; Adair County and Benton Township Bonds for 
(iuincy, Missouri and Pacific Railroad; Completion of the Road to Kirksville; 
The Depot at K'irksville; Extention of the Road westward. — Change in the Name. 
-Santa Fe IJailroad: T']fforts to get the Road through Kirksville; I-'omiding of 
Cibbs. Iowa and Si. Louis Railroad: Incorporation; Laying of Track from 
Coniieisvilie to Centreville; Controversy with the "O. K." l^iilroad; Rel)uilding 
of the Pioad. Propo.sed Lines. — Railroad ^^■^(•(•ks. 



Contents. " xv 

riiAi''iJ';i{ x\i. 

The Banks :!-7 :! 1 1 

Dcpoyits in Bankis of County, Nov. 10, lOlO.— Kirkssillc liraiicli of Hank ol' St. 
Louis. — The Baircl Bank: ()rf2;ani/,ation bj- Porter and Stchhins; W. T. iiainl; 
Change in Name; Kire; Hohl)er3'. — Savings Bank: H. M. Hingo; Hohh(>ry. — 
— National Bank: Oiganization of Union Bank; Change to National Bank. — 
Citizen.s National Bank: Organization as Citizens Bank; Purchase of liainl 
National Bank. — Trust Company. — Brashear Banks: State Bank of lirashear; 
Brashear Banking Comjjany. — Novinger Banks: Novinger Bank; Union Bank 
of Novinger. — Connelsville Banks: Bank of Connelsville; Adair County Min- 
ers Bank. — Bank of Gibhs. —Building and Loan Associations. 

CHAPTER XVn. 

Kirksville 342-404 

Early Settlers. — Crowtli in Population. — Municipal Organization: Location 
of County Seat; Original Town; Naming of Town; Incorporation in 1857; Sus- 
pension of Town Government during the War; Reorganization in 1866; Charter 
of 1873; City of the Fourth Cla.ss, 1886; City of the Third Class, 1893; Chair- 
men of Board of Trustees, 1866-1872; Mayors, 1873-1911.— Bonded Indebted- 
ness. — Dram.shop Ordinances: Ordinance of 1866; Ordinance of 1873; Aboli- 
tion of Saloons in 1879, 1887, 1895, and 1907; W. C. T. U. and Good Templars.— 
Public Utilities: Water Works; Electric Light Company; Gas Company; Tel- 
ephone Company; Sewer System. — Street Paving. — Post Office: Postmasters, 
1842-1911; Post Office Building; Mail Facilities. — Cemeteries. — Business Firms 
in 1866-67; in 1876; in 1886; in 1911.— Hotels.— Shryack-Thom Grocery 
Company.— Storms: Storms of 1866, 1872, and 1879; Cyclone of April 27, 1899; 
Floods; Snow Storms; Sleets. — Contributions from Kirksville to Sufferers Else- 
where. — Fires, 186.5-1911. Business Colleges: Kirksville Mercantile College; 
Burke's Business College. — State Teachers' Association. — Wagner Conservatory. 
— Literary Societies: Early Societies; Sojourners. — Public Amusements. — Old 
Settlers' Reunions. — Missouri National Guards. — Business Men's Associations. 
— Mexican War Veteran's League. — Spanish-American War. — Medical Profes- 
sion. — Adair Coimty Bar. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

The Other Towns of the County 405-424 

Section I. — Br.vshkar. Paulville. — Founding of Bra,shear. — Passing of Paul- 
ville. — Incorporation of Brashear. — Chairmen of Board of Trustees, 1897-1910, 
and Postmasters, 1872-1910. — Brashear Academy. 

Section II. — Nineveh. Dr. William Keil: Early Religious E.Kperiences; 
Founding of the Communistic Colony at Bethel; Life at Bethel. — Founding of 
Colony at Nineveh. — Life at Nineveh. — Dissolution of the Colony. — Members of 
the Colony. 

Section III. — Connelsville. Mis.souri and Iowa Townsite C'om])any. — Incor- 
poration. 

Secrion IV. — Novinger. Founding of the Town. — Railroad Tie Indtistry. — 
Coal Industry. — Incorporation. — Mayors and Postmasters. 
Seetion V. — GiRBS. l''()unding of the Town. -Incorporation. 



XVI ' The History of Adair County. 

Section VI.— Unincorporated Villages. Btahl. — Shibloy'.s Point. — Adair. — 
Wilmathsville. — Subletto. — Millard. — Danforth. — Youngstown. — Nind. — 
Yarrow. — \Mlsonto\vn. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

In Memoriam 42.5-431) 

J. R. Adkins.— H. J. Bailey.— Andrew Beaty.— B. W. Bell.— B. A. Bozarth.— 
J. M. Bozarth.— W. G. Bra.shear.— Guy Chandler.— Robert Clark.— D. J. Clark- 
son.— A. K. CoUett.— Edwin Darrow.— J. M. DeFrance.— J. T. Dennis.— I. B. 
Dodson. — Henry Eckert, Sr. — Andrew Elli.son. — D. A. Ely, Sr. — J. S. Erwin. — 
W. L. Fletcher.— John R. Floyd.— Peyton Foster.— W. M. Gill.— A. E. Hamil- 
ton.— C. W. Hardin.— M. P. Hannah.— J. L. Hawkins.— A. H. John.— G. H. 
Laughlin.— .\. H. Under. — W. P. Binder.- S. M. Link.— D. F. McClay.— Wm. 
Meeks. — J. B. Mitchell.— E. M. C. Morelock.— Noah Motter.— John R. Musick. 
— W. P. Nason. — J. I. Nelson. — David Newcomb. — G. W. Novinger. — Hiram 
Novinger. — Isaac Novinger. — John C. Novinger. — J. T. Paden. — ^W. H. Parcells. 
— Chas. Patterson. — H. E. Patterson. — John Patterson. — Walker Paul. — D. C. 
Pierce. E. L. Pierce.— W. T. Parker.— Gideon Richey.— R. M. Ringo.— Wm. 
Ringo.— E. B. Seitz.— Jacob Shoop.— P. D. Shoop.— W. H. Sheeks.— John T. 
Smith. — Noah Stukey. — J. T. "\'aughn. — A. L. Woods. 

PART II. 

Reminiscences 443-4()() 

Geo. W. Cain.— William T. Baird.— Mrs. Jacob F. Waddill.— Mrs. Otis Miller. 
— Peyton F. Greenwood. — Thomas J. Dockery. 

PART III. 

Great Men of the County 463-474 

John Roy Musick, by Mrs. G. A. Goben. — Judge .\ndrew Elli.son, by William T. 
liaird. — Judge James Ellison. — Superintendent .1. M. Greenwood, by John R. 
Kirk. — John R. Kirk. — Dr. Andrew Taylor Still. — Judge George W. Wanamaker. 

PART IV. 
Biographical Sketches 477-1 IGS 



Krrata 11(39 

Index 117()-11SS 



PART I 

History of Adair County 



CHAPTER I. 
INDIAN MOUNDS. 

Adair County was evidently a favorite hunting ground for tlie 
Indians at one time. The many Indian remains that have l^een found 
in the county would be sufficient testimony to establish the fact, but 
that testimony is strengthened by the stories that have come down from 
the first white settlers about the visits that the Indians were accus- 
tomed to make to this region after they had yielded up their claims to 
it and had gone farther north into Iowa. Sometimes they came with 
the evident intention of staying, and menaced the safety of the white 
settlers. This led to encounters l)etween the Indians and whites, the 
most noted of which was the battle of "The Cabins," or the ''Big Neck 
War," which occurred in July, 1829, and which will be related at length 
in the next chapter. How long the Indians had lived here when the 
whites came is not known, but the probal:)ilities are they had been here 
a very long time. 

The remains that have l)een found were jiicked up on the ground 
along the Chariton River or dugout of mounds in the same region. The 
mounds are mostly on the east side of the river, and are estimated at 
about three hundred in number. They were always built on high 
ground, either on hills or ridges, and were circular in shape. They are 
from ten to thirty feet in diameter, and are at present from two to five 
feet high in the center. It appears from those in the best state of pre- 
servation that they were originally banked up rather high at the cir- 
cumference with a slight slope upwards to the center. 

That some of these mounds were used for burial purposes is well 
established by the fact that human remains have been found in them.. 
Very few bones have l)een found, however, in a good state of preserva- 
tion. As soon as they were uncovered they generally crumbled into 
dust. The teeth were usually in a better state of preservation than 
the bones. 

In the center and at the ])ottom of one these mounds situated in 
section 13, township 61, range 16, about two miles east of Yarrow on 
Sugar Creek, there was found a rock grave. Slabs of rock had been 
laid on the ground and on them a body had been placed; then other 
slabs had been set up on edge along the sides and at the head and feet; 



4 History of Adatr County. 

and then across these upright slabs others had been phiced, so that the 
body was fairly well enclosed. On top of the grave the dirt had been 
piled up several feet. Considerable skill had been used in constructing 
it. This grave was opened l)y ]Mr. T. J. Dockery, of Kirksville, sev- 
eral years ago. 

In other mounds that have l^een opened bodies have ])een found 
which had been laid between layers of loose rock, while in others the 
bodies were apparently covered over with dirt and without any such pro- 
tection. In one or two mounds were found a great lot of burnt rocks, 
and it has been supposed that the remains of the persons buried in these 
mounds were first cremated and their ashes covered over. 

Besides these human remains there have been found all kinds of 
stone implements and weapons. Axes, large and small, arrowheads, 
spear points, knives, and the like have been found. Pieces of pottery 
and pipes have also been taken out. One of the most interesting things 
found is a smooth black stone, oval in shape, about a quarter of an inch 
thick, about five inches long and an inch and a half wide. Along the 
edge notches are cut. It is conjectured that this was a kind of record. 
Probably some Indian passed a string through the two holes that had 
been bored through it near the end and hung it about his neck, and as 
he shot down game he would keep a record of it bj^ notching this stone. 
The stone was found by Mr. T. J. Dockery in the mound which contained 
the rock grave mentioned above. 

At various times expeditions have been formed among the citi- 
zens of Kirksville to excavate some of these mounds. The earliest one 
of which anything is known was made in July, 1877. The party con- 
sisted of Sam'l Reed, R. M. Ringo, John Harlan, B. F. Heiny, H. W. 
Snyder, Robert Clark, Henry Eekert, A. Wolf, Dan Draper, Wm. Her- 
ron, W. C. B. Gillespie, W. T. Baird, and W. P. Nason. This party 
excavated two mounds on the farm of A. K. CoUett, six miles Avest of 
Kirksville, and found remains of two Indians far below the surface 
between the layers of loose stone. The bones that were found were 
brought to Kirksville and ]olaced on exhibition at Hope's Drug Store. 
That these bones are not those of white persons is supported by the fact 
that the first white settlement in the county was made in the inunediate 
vicinity of these mounds, antl no ti'adition has come down of any whites 
being buried at these places. 

Other (expeditions have been made since then, especially in the early 
eighties. Prof. W. J. Smith of the Kirksville Business College, and T. 
J. Dockery made freciuent trips, and Prof. C. E. Ross, formerly of the 
State Normal School at Kirksville, organized several expeditions. 



Indian' Mounds. 5 

]\Tany relics have l^een found lying on the ground and some have 
been turned up in plowing. 

Se\'eral collections of relics picked up in the county were made l)y 
difTerent persons. The most noted collections were those of B. W. 
Sands, T. J. Dockery, W. J. Smith, C. E. Ross, and Geo. W. Cain. The 
Sands collection is probably the largest that was ever made of relics 
found in this county. In June, 1886, Prof. Smith arranged an Indian 
Exhibition in his Business College, and brought together all the Indian 
relics he could get, and to add greater interest he had brought up from 
the Indian Territory a number of Cherokee Indians who appeared in 
their native costumes and gave certain exhibitions. The event proved 
to be one of extraordinary interest. 



CHAPTER 11. 
EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 

AVhatever claims the Indians liad to lands lying within what is 
now xVdair (,'ounty, were extinguished l:)efore an\' attempt was made 
by the whites to settle here. The Sacs and Foxes seem to have had the 
best Indian claims to territory in Avhich Adair Coimt}' is situated. In 
1804 they ceded to the United States all lands between the Missouri 
and Mississippi Rivers and a line from the mouth of the Gasconade 
River to a point on the JeffVeon River (Salt River) thirty miles from 
its mouth down to the Mississippi. The cession made l;)y this treaty, 
however, did not include what is now Adair County. In 1808 a treaty 
was made ^vith the Osages whereby it Avas agreed that the boundary 
between them and the whites should begin at Ft. Clark, a fort on the 
Missouri thirty-five miles below the mouth of the Kansas, and extend 
due south to the Arkansas River, thence down the same to the Miss- 
issippi. In this same treaty it was i^rovifled that all lands north of the 
Missouri to which the Osages had claiins were likewise ceded, l)ut this 
seenis to have ])een more of a formality than anything else. 

"When the first counties of the territory of Missouri were organized 
in 1813, St. Charles County was made to consist of the territory ceded 
]\y the Sacs and Foxes in 180-4, with the proviso that if the Indian titles 
should be extinguished to lands lying north and west of this country, 
the Governor might add such lands to it bj' proclamation. In 1815 
Governor Clark issued a proclamation declaring that the Osage claims 
which had been ceded in 1808, extended 140 miles north of the Kansas 
River, east to the Ottata River, and thence south to the Missouri River 
where the Gasconade empties into it, and that all other claims were 
unfounded; he further declared that all this territory was thereby an- 
nexed to St. Charles County, and based his action upon the law passed 
by the Territorial Legislature in 1813 which organized that county. 
Ilie territory thus declared to be annexed to St. Charles County in- 
cluded what is now Adair County, V)ut there is some question as to the 
authorit>' of the Governor in making his proclamation. If he had no 
authority to do so, then the Indian title to the territory which included 
the present Adair ( 'ounty, was not extinguished until the treaty made 
with the Sacs and Foxes in 1824. In this treatv tliese Indians sur- 



PEARLY Settlements. 7 

rendered all remaiuiug claims that they had in Missouri, and this sur- 
render clearly included the present County of Adair. 

As has been said, there is no record or tradition of any white set- 
tlers coming to what is now Adair County until after the In<iian titles 
were extinguished. There seems to l^e no record of either the French 
or the Spanish in Missouri coming up the Chariton River this far, though 
it is not altogether improbable that some of them may have done so. 
Perhaps American hunters and trappers may have come in advance of 
the first settlers, but of them we have no record. 

The first attempt at settlement by the whites in this county was not 
made until 1828, twenty-five years after the Louisiana purchase, and 
three years after the extinction of the above mentioned Indian title. The 
earliest white settlements in Missouri had Ijeen made along the ^Nliss- 
issippi by the French, the first being Ste. Genevieve in 1735, if not a 
little earlier. By the time the United States acquired the Louisiana 
territory from France, a dozen or more settlements had been estab- 
lished in the State, chiefly along the Mississippi from St. Louis to New 
Madrid. In addition to these Mississippi settlements there was at 
least one on the Missouri, that is St. Charles, but it was so close to the 
Mississippi that it might well be included in the group of settlements 
along that river. The population of these settlements in 1803 was 
between six and seven thousand. From 1803 to 1828 the movement 
of population into the interior of the state had been along the IVlissouri 
chiefly. Nearly all the new counties that had been formed between 
1813, when the first were established, and 1828 were along that river. 
The population of the state in 1830 was 140,455, fully one-half of which 
belonged to the Missouri River comities. It was from these settlements 
along the Missouri River that many moved into the northern and 
southern parts of the state, and became thus the earliest pioneers 
of these sections. We are therefore prepared to find that the early 
settlers in Adair County came largely from the ^Missouri River counties 
directly to the south, chiefly Howard County. 

It was in 1828 that a band of sturdy pioneers came from Howard 
County to dwell in what is now Adair County, a region which was as 
yet very much as nature had made it. James Myers, Isaac Gross, 
Stephen Gross, Nathan Richardson, Reuben ^Myrtle and Jacob Gupp 
are, according to traditions, the men who composed this first band ot 
settlers. It seems that Gupp was the only unmarried member. These 
men decided to locate on the east side of the Chariton about six miles 
west of what is now Kirksville, and tradition has it that tliey proceeded 
to build three cabins, one of which stood just in front of the present 




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Early Settlements. 9 

house of George W. Cain, another on the present farm of ('has. Brawner 
a niik> or two away from the first, and another on the old Stinson place 
which was ecjually distant in another direction. This settlement be- 
came known as "The Cabins." The nearest neighbor to this band of 
new comers was Jos. Loe, thirty or more miles to the south in what is 
now Macon County. 

In the next year after this settlement was made, it was suddenly 
broken up by Avhat is popularly known locally as the "Big Neck War." 
Some attention must be given to this episode, as it reveals something of 
the difficulties which pioneers had to encounter, and its story has become 
one of the historic traditions of the county. The difficulty in relating 
this stor}^ exactly is great because the accounts found in the newspapers 
long after the event are often contradictory, and no doubt mucli in 
these accounts is fictional. 

Upon the extinction of the title of the Indians to the lands in North 
Missouri, the Sacs, the Foxes, and the lowas moved into what is now 
Iowa. During the following three or four years they were accustomed 
to come back to their old hunting grounds in Missouri, and one of these 
favorite resorts was the region of the Chariton where deer, elk and fish 
were plentiful. Among those who longed for the Chariton was Che 
Quesa or Big Neck, a sub-chief of a band of sixty or seventy Iowa In- 
dians. He had from the first been dissatisfied with the treaty which 
had extinguished the Indian titles, and finally he and his band came 
l)ack in 1829 to their hunting grounds on the Chariton with the avowed 
intention of living in the community permanently. 

In coming clown the Chariton they reached, some time in the last 
of June, the cabins of the white folk who had come to what is now 
Adair County in the year previous. Trouble ensued almost immedi- 
ately. Some hogs which belonged to the whites were killed by the dogs 
of the Indians and the meat was appropriated Ijy the Indians. A dep- 
utation of the whites went the next day to the Indians in their camp and 
l)rotested against their presence in the state and demanded that they 
should pay for the slain hogs and that they should leave. Old Big Neck 
replied in broken English that they had not signed a treaty and that 
they had come back to live and that they would fight for the land if nec- 
essary. This hostile attitude caused the handful of whites to reconsid- 
er their demands, and they decided to send back to the settlements in 
Randolph County for assistance against the Indians. 

On reaching the settlements in Randolj-jh County the fugitives 
s])read the alarm and very shortly a l:)and of twenty-six men under 
Capt. Trammell was on its way to The Cabins. Before they set out 



10 History of Adair County. 

word was sent to the Howard County settlers to acquaint the state au- 
thorities with the situation in the upper country. In reaching The 
Cabins the company found that the Indians had retreated farther up 
the Chariton, and it was decided to follow them. About ten miles 
farther up the river they found the Indians encamped on the east bank, 
northeast of Avhat is now Connelsville. The Indians showed bad tem- 
per from the first by sending their squaws and children out of the camp 
and refusing to send out an interpreter. The whites attempted to con- 
vince the Indians that they were friendly, ])ut when they asked the 
Indians to give up their arms this was too much. One Indian cocked 
his gun and pointed it towards a Mr. Myers, whereupon the Indian was 
shot dead bj' Myers' son. In a moment the battle was on, and though 
it lasted but a short time, the struggle was a fierce one. The probable 
date of this battle was July 17, 1829. 

Three white men were killed; they were John Myers, James Winn 
and Powell Owenby. Owenby was shot dead in the Indian camp. 
Winn and INIyers were at first merely wounded and attempted to es- 
cape. Myers was taken up on a horse behind another man, Isut the horse 
was shot from under them and Myers was left on the ground to the mer- 
cies of the Indians. The killed were all scalped, and it appears from 
the remains of Winn that he was burned after he had been captured. 
The bodies of Myers and Owenby, however, showed no signs of their 
having been burned. Four whites Avere wounded; they were Capt. 
Trammell, James ^Myers, John W. Myers and John Asbell. Capt. 
Trammell died from the effects of his wound after he reached his home in 
Randolph County. At least three Indians were killed. How many 
were wounded is not known. 

The news of this engagement spread rapidly through the counties 
along the Missouri, and companies of soldiers from Howard, Boone, 
Chariton and Randolj:)!! hastened towards the scene of trouble. The 
story grew as it passed from mouth to mouth until it was thought that 
1500 Indians w(M-e on their way south to the river. Cov. John Miller 
sent in a call for some U. S. trooj^s which were stationed at St. Louis, 
and dispatched C.en. I. B. Owen with a force of alxjut 200 men with 
orders to put down the Indians and restore ordei'. \\'i)en Owen got to 
tiie scene of troul)le he found everything ci[uiet, inasmuch as the Indians 
had withdrawn to Iowa. The other trooj^s that came on from the other 
counties found nothing for \\\vu\ to do and therefore I'etired soon. The 
CJovernor ordered Owen to detail about one iuuulred men to remain 
in th(^ region to protect the settlers from further attack, and if necessary 
to retain his force there until he could feel sure that there was no more 
dantrer. 



Early Settlkmkxis. 1 i 

The nit'ii who hatl cstahUshod the settlcincnt of "Tlio ('al)iii.s"' the 
year ])efor(^ this encounter with the IntUans, decided it would l)e best 
for them to abandon their chiinis for the time at least, and so departed 
immediately after the battle for Randolph County witli the company 
that had come up under Capt. Tranunell. 

Tradition has it that in the spring of 1830 the settlement of "The 
Cabins" was restored, but tradition caimot he trusted for a correct list 
of the settlers who came in that year. Of the dozen or more persons 
who have been said to have come in 1830, the writer is able to name only 
three whose claim to this honor has not been questioned in one way or 
another. They are John Cain, Andrew Bozarth, and Isaac Parton. 
]Mr. Cain was the father of Ceo. W. Cain, who has lived all his life on 
the family estate six miles west of Kirksville. There were. undoubtedly 
others who came in 1830, but they cannot l^e named in any confidence. 

Among the traditions of the Cain family of this county is one ac- 
cording to which John Cain, the one mentioned above, bought out the 
claims of the Myers family that had fled tlie country the year before, 
for a pair of shoe leathers. From this one might conclude that either 
land was very, very cheap at that time, or that shoe ujjpers were very 
expensive. There is another tradition in this family to the elTect that 
John Cain and Daniel Boone came from Kentucky to Missouri together 
ami that after they had lived in Howard County they came into what is 
now Adair County. There is nothing at all to support that part of the 
tradition that brings Boone into Adair County. He died in 1820 at 
the age of eighty or more, and John Cain did not come to Adair County 
until 1830. 

Between 1830 and 1840 settlements were made in most all of the 
l^resent townships of the county, but before following that subject any 
further, our attention will be directed l)riefly towards the last Indian 
flurry in the county. 

The Black Hawk War which broke out in the summer of 1832, 
called attention again to the dangerous situation in which the settlers 
in northern and northeastern Missouri were placed. A military force 
was sent to what is now Adair County under Capt. Richard ^Madison 
of Ralls County, and a fort was built in the northern part of what is 
now Polk Township, about eight miles east of the Chariton and a quar- 
ter of a mile north of Salt River. This fort was called Ft. jMadison, 
after thi^ Captain of the company that erected it. It consisted of a 
block house enclosed l^y a palisade. A separate log building was used 
for a magazine and the storage of supplies, and brush sheds were built 
for the horses. When it was found that there was no danger threat- 



12 History of Adair County. 

eniiig, this fort was aljandoned aiul the company occupying it was sent 
home to Ralls County. 

Later in the summer of 1832 a considerable military force under 
General John B. Clark, of Howard County, was sent up the Chariton 
to reconnoitre the situation. It is believed that General Clark crossed 
the Iowa Ijoundary line in quest of information; but finding no signs of 
Indian disturl)ances he turned southward, and stopping at what is now 
the CoUett farm, he Ijuilt a fort which bore his name. This fort was a 
three-cornered affair, built out of split oak logs which were arranged 
so that the upper ends were sharpened like pickets and the lower ends 
placed in the ground aljout threc^ feet. Block houses were built at each 
corner of the fort with port holes through which the soldiers could shoot. 

After the garrison left this fort the Indians are said to have frequent- 
ly visited the growdng settlements along the Chariton Ijetween 1835 
and 1845. As far as is known they offered no violence to the whites, 
though they are said to have frequently killed their hogs. After 1845 
there seems to be no account of the Indians coining any more as visitors. 

Remains of these two forts existed down to a very late time. The 
Collett family is said to have used the l)lock house of Ft. Clark for a 
stable for a long while, and until recently the outline of the earthworks 
of Ft. jNIadison were plainly discernible. 

The author has made a special effort to find out who the permanent 
settlers Avere during the decade from 1830 to 1840, where they came from 
and in what part of the county they settled, but the results have not 
been at all satisfactory. The various so-called historical sketches of 
pioneer days which have appeared in the county newspapers from time 
to time and in the old county history published in 1888, are very contra- 
dictory on the earh' settlers and are much in error, so that little depend- 
ence can be put upon tliem. The subject is yet to be marked out sat- 
isfactorily, but it will be done only after long investigation and a cai'e- 
ful sifting of the evidence acquired. 

All that be safely said is that from 1831 to 1840 the following named 
persons are known to have settled in what is now Adair County : Frank 
Adkins, James A. Adkins, Hiram Bozarth, Washingtcm Conner, Lewis 
Conner, Win. Collett, A. K. Collett, Thomas Clifton, J. Dabney, Aliram 
Earhart, Samuel Eaton, Benj. Ely, K. S. Filts, Jack Floyd, Nathaniel 
Floyd, Wm. A. Floyd, Jesse Gilstrap, Jas. H. Ginnings, Wm. Hurley, 
Isaac Hargis, Charles Hatfield, Wm. Horton, Samuel Hay, David James, 
Wm. B. Jones, Jesse Jones, John Lesley, A. H. Linder, John Morrow, 
John Murphy, John Myers, Jr., Robert Myers, Frayel Myers, Robt. 
Miller, Canada ()wenl)v, Wm. Parcells, Hartin Partou, Thos. Part on. 



Early Settlements. 13 

,J()8Uih Rogers, Hiram Reed, John Shibley, David E. Stone, Edward 
Stewart, Coleman Stewart, John Stewart, Andrew Thompson, and Jesse 
Walker. These men are believed to have Ijeen grown men or fast ap- 
proaching to grown manhood when they came. 

j\Iany others are known to have come during this decade, but they 
were mere children at the time, so they are not included in this list. 
There were undoubtedly many others of adult age who came during 
these ten years, but who they were is not known to the writer. An in- 
teresting study here awaits some one who will l)e willing to labor a long 
time upon it. 

When the early settlers began to come into this part of the state 
the government survey had not been completed; in fact, it may be safely 
said it had not been commenced as yet. There was nothing in the way 
of patents, deeds or other documentary evidence which the settler could 
secure and to which he could point to when he wished to prove his right 
to the land he had taken. He took up a "claim" on the land he settled 
upon and stood ready to defend his rights with his own muscle and his 
musket, if need be. His claim would extend generally from this creek 
to that one, or from this hill to that. So secure did he feel in the pos- 
session of his claim that he sometimes waited for years after the govern- 
ment survey had been completed through this part of the country before 
he entered his land and got a patent from the government. He ran the 
risk of having some one preempt his claim and invoke the government 
to dispossess him of it, but the one who dared to preempt land that 
had been squatted upon ran a risk of another kind that deterred him 
from such a procedure. This will explain w4iy it is that some of the 
earliest settlers did not enter their lands until long after they had set- 
tled here. It will also explain why the dates of entry in the plat book 
of the coimty are no safe index as to the exact time when the settlers 
first came into the county. 

It would be a matter of great interest to know how many people 
there were in the county in 1841, the year in which the county was 
organized. At that time just about ten years had elapsed since the 
settlement of the county had been resumed, and curiosity, if nothing 
else, would prompt one to inquire how many people had come in during 
the first decade of actual occupation. But the best that can be done 
will be to make an estimate. Judging from the census of 1850 which 
gave the county a little over 2000, we are likely safe in saying that not 
over 1000, if that many, were here by 1841. 

Though the first settlement was made along the Chariton River 
west of what is now Kirksville, it was the central southern part of the 



14 History of Adair County. 

county that began tu till up fii'st. The probable reason why tlii.s part 
of the county began to fill up first was its better adaptability to farm- 
ing than the Chariton region. The Chariton offered its special induce- 
ments in the way of wild game, and the men who first settled it were as 
a rule good hvmters. These men had, moreover, a decided preference 
for timbered land for agricultural purposes over the prairie land. The 
reason for this was that the prairie land was harder to cultivate than the 
timber land because of the toughness of the soil. It took several yoke 
of oxen to i)ull a plow through the prairie sod, and it was felt an 
easier task to clear land of timber than to subdue the prairie land. 
But when the prairie began to be settled it filled up much more 
rapidly than the river region. Tradition has it that Canada ()\venb>- 
was the first settler to take up a prairie claim, but how well this can be 
substantiated is not known. 

In the early days hunting was more than an occasional pastime 
with the pioneers. It was one of their means of livelihood and with 
some it seemed to l^e their chief means. Those who established rej:)u- 
tations as hunters of more than extraordinary skill were John Cain, 
Nathaniel Floyd, Frank Adkins, Edward Stewart, James Adkins, Jo- 
seph Stewart, James Myers, James Clifton, Thomas Chfton, David 
Floyd, Wm. Brasfield, Dennis Brasfield, John Lesley, Thomas Turner 
and John Burton. Salt River and the Chariton were the chief hunt- 
ing grounds, and deer, wild turkeys and elk were plentiful. Occasion- 
ally bears, jjanthers, wolves, and foxes would l)e killed. Frank Adkins 
had the reputation of being the most successful deer hunter, and Ed. 
Stewart of Ix'ing the most daring hunter of panthers and other danger- 
ous animals. The fall hunt would usually result in the bagging of 
enough game to insure the winter's supply of meat. Bee trees were 
frequently found, and the honey taken from them added to the com- 
fort of the settler's table and offered him a commodity which found ready 
sale at the nearest market. Stories have come down of whole wagon 
loads of honey which had been taken from the trees and then hauled 
out of the county l)y oxen to the near])y markets. 

Conditions during the first years of the early settlement of this 
county w(M-e hai-tl and primitive. Whatever farming was attempted 
was carried on under great difficulties. If the farm was in the timbered 
region, the land had to b(> cleared first and that meant much hard labor. 
When that was finished the plowing was done with a wooden mould- 
board i)l()w drawn by oxen. Because of the scarcity of oxen and plo^^■s, 
the neighbors would frecjuently join all their forces and do the plowing 
on their farms together, taking them one at a time. 



Early Settlements. 15 

The jiriiulinji of the grain raised was done ;it first hy haiul mills 
which the pioneers brought with them. In the course of time horse and 
water mills were built. High waters would frequently make water mills 
unusable. The first steam mill built in the county was put up by the 
German colony at Nineveh. That w^as erected about 1850 and was for 
>'ears the only one of its kind in the county. Going to mill in early 
days meant usually going a long distance and frequent delay in taking 
one's turn at the mill. 

A tanyard was established by Washington Gonnor on what is now 
called the Gollett farm, in 1837. 

The trading posts for the earliest settlers were Hannibal and Quincy 
to the east and Huntsville to the south. It meant a great deal to go to 
market then. Trips were not made very often, and full supplies were 
always laid in whenever they were made. The first trading post in the 
county is said to have been opened up by Col. Jesse Jones, which stood 
on what has been known in recent years as the Joel Stinson place. He 
also set up there a tramp horse mill, which is said to have l^een the first 
of its kind in the county. 

Alail facilities were necessaril}- meagre. The first post office in 
what is now Adair County is said to have been on the Sohn place near 
the Baptist church on the Nineveh road between Kirksville and Nin- 
eveh, and Samuel Withrow is said to have been the first postmaster. Just 
when this was established is not known. When David James, the first 
county clerk, sent in the election returns from the county in August, 
1842, he requested the Secretary of State to address all communications 
to him at Bloomington, the county seat of Macon County, as that was 
the nearest post office to the Adair County Court House. Mail was car- 
ried across the country at first on horse back, and then later in stage 
coaches. As postage was paid at the place of delivery, the person re- 
ceiving mail w^as sometimes put in a very embarrassing position. In 
those days of barter and trade "in kind," there was little ready cash, 
and men were freciuently compelled, according to traditions that have 
come down, to borrow as little as a dime with which to pay the post- 
age on a single letter which had come. 

The distances 1:)etween neighljors were at first great. To have one's 
nearest neighbor as far as five miles away was nothing unusual. Of 
course neighbors came to mean neighbors as the county filled up. 

Prairie and brush fires were frequent, entailing danger and frequently 
a great deal of damage. A story of an experience in a prairie fire which 
Nathaniel Floyd and his wife had in the early thirties has come down. 
They had been to visit a neighbor and on returning to their home on 



16 History of Adair County. 

Floyd Creek they found that they were cut off from it by a prairie fire. 
Their horses could not l^e driven across it and so Floyd decided to go 
home in a round about way, while his wife tried to cross the fire line. 
When Floyd reached home he found his wife had not arrived as 
yet and started in search of her. He found her the next day with all 
her woolen clothing burned off. They had caught fire in her efforts to 
.get across the fire line. She carried all the rest of her life the marks 
of this terrible experience. 

Churches and schools were in the course of time established, and 
were in keeping with the primitive conditions of the community. The 
frontier settlements throughout our nation west of the Alleghanies owe 
their first religious organizations largely to the Methodist and Baptist 
circuit riders. These men were pioneers in spirit and in body, and 
gave themselves heartily to the difficulties of the work that the newly 
settled regions presented. It was not otherwise in Adair County. 
Something further will be said of the early churches and schools in sub- 
sequent chapters. 

All buildings in these early days, whether dwellings, churches, 
school houses, stores, or barns, were built of timber cut clown and hewed 
out by the settlers themselves. The walls were made of logs, the roofs 
were covered with clapboards, and the floors were either dirt or punch- 
eons. The cabins were usually one storj^ high and contained ordinarily 
one and never over two rooms. No one of the original cabins built 
in 1828 remains, and very few, if any, of the houses built before 18-41, 
when the county was organized, are still in existence. House and barn 
raisings \vere great events in a settlement. Neighl^ors from far and 
near, generally from far, came to lend a hand, and the work was usually 
crowned with a feast of such good things as the community afforded. 

Domestic lif(^ was exceedingly laborious. Women not only worked 
at the usual household duties such as cooking, spinning and weaving, 
but they often assisted in the field in plowing, threshing, and some- 
times in hewing timber. Rol)ert Miller's four daughters establisluMl 
their reputation as excellent hewers, and were known to hav(^ raiscnl a 
house or barn by themselves under the direction and hel]) of their fatluM-. 

The only relaxation which the early pioneer had Avas to be found 
in the occasional church services, the trip to market, or the neighborhood 
house or l)arn raising. Rut thes(> pioneers had th(> spii-i1 of conciuest 
and counted themselves as fortunate in having their lot in a new field. 
They therefore l)uilt their homes and took u]) their Avork cheerfull.w 
not always realizing just what their work ineunt to the future genera- 
tions, l)ut with a iiope that it would not be in vain. 



Early Settlements. 17 

The first white person to d\v a natural death in the county was 
Lovern Evans. The first white couple to get married in the county 
were Missouri Evans and Sevon Dean. The wedding was celebrated at 
John Cain's. The first white child born in the county was James M. 
Bozarth, who was born December 14, 1831. Geo. Cain for whom that 
iionor has been claimed by uninformed persons, was not born until 1833. 

Many of these conditions which existed in the first decade of the 
liistory of the first settlement continued until after the war. As the 
county became more densely settled and towns were established, life 
became less isolated and more comfortable. The further consideration 
of these improvements will be included under other subjects in this 
history. 

The settlers of the first decade came largely from some of the coun- 
ties to the south of what is now Adair, particularly Randolph and How- 
ard. Many of them had come to these counties from Kentucky and 
Tennessee. Some few came directly from Kentucky to Adair County. 
For the next twenty years after the first decade we find the new settlers 
coming from other states also, such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. 
From Pennsylvania came a German element which founded Nineveh, 
some account of which will be given in another place. The neighbor- 
hood called Illinois Bend was settled by people from Ilhnois. From 
Iowa came a few people. But the main streams of immigration flowed 
from the Mississippi along Salt River, and from the Missouri along the 
Chariton. 







Map of Missouri Illustrating the Census of 1910. 

Counties shown in white increased in popuhition Ijetween 1900 and 1910. 

Those sliown in tlie fine hnes decreased in population. 

(Reproduced from the St. Louis RepubUc, October 3, 1910.) 



CHAPTER III. 

THE GROWTH OF THE COUNTY. 

From the beginning the county has enjoyed in a steady and sub- 
stantial growth. This is exhibited in a variety of ways. The first 
index of growth that one usualh^ consults is the U. S. census reports 
on the population. On turning to them we find nothing on the popula- 
tion of Adair County prior to 1850, as the county was organized in 1841, 
the year after the census of 1840 was taken. Inasmuch as no separate 
record was kept of the population of the territory that was attached to 
Macon County from 1837 to 1841, and out of which the present Adair 
County was formed, we have no means of knowing just what the pop- 
ulation of the county was when it was created in 1841. The census 
reports since 1850 give the population of Adair County as follows: 

1850 2, 342 1890 17, 417 

1860 8, 531 1900 21, 728 

1870 11,448 1910 22,700 

1880 15, 190 





White 
2,283 


Free 
Colored 

8 


Slave 
51 


Total 


Native 
Born 


Foreign 

B0R?J 


Total 


1850 


2,342 


* 


* 


2,342 


1S60 


8,436 


9 


86 


8,531 


8,320 


229 


8,531 


1870 


11,305 


143 




11,448 


11,072 


376 


11,448 


1880 


14,964 


226 




15,190 


14,708 


472 


15,190 


1890 


17,114 


303 




17,417 


16,986 


431 


17,417 


1900 


21,412 


316 




21,728 


21,233 


495 


21,728 


1910 


* 


* 




22,700 


* 


* 


22,700 



* Data lacking. 

Of the 495 foreign born persons in the county in 1900, 80 were natives of Eng- 
land, 4S of Canada, 74 of Ireland, 12S of Germany, 58 of Italy, 24 of Scotland, 
2D of Sweden, 15 of Wales, and 13 of France. 



From this it will l)e seen that the decade which saw the greatest 
rate of increase of population was 1850-60, during which time the pop- 
ulation increased from 2,342 to 8,531, or nearly four-fold. 

The census for 1910 contained a great many surprising revelations. 
The population of the entire state for that year was 3,293,335, an in- 



20 History of Adair County. 

crease of only 186,670, or six per cent in ten years. Of the 114 coun- 
ties in the state, only 43 showed any increase in population. Of the 71 
counties which showed a decrease in population, 32 lost more than ten 
per cent of the population they had in 1900, 23 lost between five and ten 
per cent, and 16 less than five per cent. The majority of the counties 
that showed any increase in population lie in the southeastern part of 
the state, and the majority of those that lost the most heavily lie in the 
northern and northwestern part of the state. Of the 44 counties north 
of the Missouri River, only 8 showed any increase in population. Adair 
County happens to be among these eight. The increase in this county 
in the last decade was 972, or 4.5 per cent. 

Nearly all the counties that lost in population are agricultural 
counties, as a rule. Adair County undoubtedly sustained a loss in 
her rural population during the last decade, but the increase in popula- 
tion in the towns of Kirksville, Novinger, Brashear and Connelsville 
was enough to more than offset the decrease in the country. 

The same decade that witnessed the largest percentage of increase 
in population, that is from the years 1850 to 1860, also saw the greatest 
number of government land entries. An examination of the original 
plat book of the county shows that the greatest number of land entries 
were made from 1853 to 1857, and particularly in 1855 and 1856. The 
earliest entry was made by Thomas M. Easley in 1836. Entries were 
made in large numbers in 1839, ])utfrom then until 1851 there were practi- 
cally none. By 1853 the final rush to enter land began and kept up until 
practically all the land was entered by 1859. A few entries were made 
in the sixties and seventies, and even as late as 1908 T. J. Dockery, of 
Kirksville, entered some land in Adair County. But the great bulk of 
the land was entered in the fifties of the nineteenth century. The 
entries made in the fifties were made mostly by new settlers. There 
were speculators in land in the county in those days, but the lands they 
bought u}) did not etjual the amount actually occupied by bona fide 
settlers. 

Not only the plat book, but the abstracts of assessment returns of 
the county assessor show that the rate of growth in the county was greatest 
in the decade from 1850 to 1860. In 1843 the assessor found only 2,100 
acres subject to taxation in the county. That was an exceedingly small 
amount for that year, inasmuch as permanent settlers had been com- 
ing in for over ten years and the county had been organized for two 
years. It may be that the assessor's returns for 1843 were not com- 
plete, and this appears all the more probable since the returns for the 
verv next vear show that he had then found 15,131 acres subject to 



The (liiowTii of the County. 21 

taxation. For a few years after 1844 the auinber of acres subject to 
taxation gTadvially increased, but it was not until 185:^ that the increase 
became marked. From 1853 to 1860 the increase became ji;reater, so 
that the maximum Hmit was reached by the hitter year. The foUowing 
tal)h^ will show how many acres there were subject to taxation in the 
county from 1853 to 18(50, from which the rate of increase may be read- 
ily computed : 

1853 (est.) 50, 000 1857 350, 256 

1854 94, 348 1858 351, 354 

1855 156, 817 1859 362, 417 

1856 262, 109 1860 369, 858 

The nvmiber of acres subject to taxation at the present time runs 
at a little over 360,000 acres. The above table shows that that num- 
ber was reached by 1859. 

The county has gained in wealth at the same time it has grown in 
population. The abstracts of the assessment returns give a basis for 
some idea as to the growth in wealth. The returns prior to 1844 are 
not available, so that our investigation cannot go back of that year. 
The assessed valuation for 1844 is about the same as that of 1845; by 
commencing therefore in 1845 and taking every fifth year thereafter, 
we are able to set forth in the following table the growth in wealth of 
the county from 1845 to the present, as far as assessed valuations will 
show it: 

1845 S 49, 946 1880 S3, 176, 789 

1850 90, 290 1885 3, 498, 370 

, 1855 964, 968 1890 3, 729, 558 

1860 1, 154, 291 1895 4, 776, 543 

1865 1,430,431 1900 5,067,361 

1870 2, 966, 820 1905 5, 459, 474 

• 1875 3, 388, 046 1910 5, 840, 078 

Of course, the above valuations as taken from the assessors' lists, 
are not actual valuations, and we have no way of determining ex- 
actly just what they are, inasmuch as the rate of assessment varies 
from time to time, and furthermore, there is always a certain amount 
of property that never is listed by the assessor. One would be com- 
paratively safe, however, in multiplying the above returns by three or 
four and taking the product as approximating the actual valuations. 
By comparing the tables given above on the increase in popula- 
tion and on assessed valuations, it will be seen that the largest percent- 
age of increase in population came in the same decade that saw the 
greatest percentage of increase in assessed valuations, that is, the dec- 



22 History of Adair County. 

ade from 1850 to 1860. In 1850 the assessed valuation was $90,290 
and the population 2,342; in 1860 the assessed valuation was $1,154,291 
and the population 8,531. 

On comparing further the increase in population and the increase 
in assessed valuations for 1850 and for 1910, we find that the popula- 
tion has risen from 2,342 to 22,700, or nearly ten fold, while the increase 
in assessed wealth has risen from $90,290 to $5,840,078, or six hundred 
and fifty fold. This is a most eloquent commentary on the natural re- 
soucres of the county and on the industry of the people. 

Like all other frontier districts, land was exceedingly cheap in the 
early days of the county. Land was entered under government patents 
at $1.25 per acre. The improvements put upon the homestead lands 
raised their value, of course, but for a long time these improvements 
were meagre, and hence the increase in values was comparatively slight. 
The best improved lands just before the war were valued at from $10 
to $20 per acre. In the early seventies such lands ranged from $10 
to $30; in the early nineties from $40 to $75; and at the present time 
from $50 to $100. As long as there was left any government land un- 
entered that was of good quality, the unimproved land did not rise much 
above the price paid for government land. But by the middle of the 
fifties, |)ractically all the government land was entered, so that values 
in unimproved land began to rise. Between 1855 and 1860 there was 
much talk of a railroad being built in the county, so that unimproved 
land was held at from $5 to $10 an acre. The railroad failed to mate- 
rialize for a while, so that the values in unimproved lands dropped. 
Very shortly after the war all the land fit for agriculture or stock-rais- 
ing was brought under improvement. Today only a small portion 
of the county is unimproved land, and this land lies in the region of 
the Chariton River mostly, if not altogether. 

The growth of the county is due to a variet}^ of causes, among which 
may be noted her facilities for agriculture and stock-raising, her rail- 
roads, her wealth of timber and coal, and her educational institutions. 
In the early days agriculture was practically the only pursuit followed 
by thv people. But with the coming of the railroads it became possible 
to exploit the natural resources of the county. The forests of the Char- 
iton offered the first field for exploitation, and for years the making of 
railroad ties has been a very important industry. It is not so important 
now as it was formerly, though it is still maintained. In this same 
Chariton region have been found rich deposits of coal, and the coal 
mining industry has grown into large proportions. Meanwhile, the 
raising of fine stock has become one of the greatest enterprises of the 



The CiROWTH of the County. 23 

county and has brouglit it to the attention of men deaUng in fine stock 
far and wide. The State Normal School and the American School of 
Osteopathy at Kirksville have been potent agents contributing to the 
growth of the county. 

From early times the advantages of the county have been in one 
form or another brought to the attention of the people of the state and 
in adjoining states. The Glasgow News, a newspaper published at 
Glasgow, Mo., in its issue for October 8, 1846, contained an article on 
Adair County, which it had copied from the Paris Mercury, published 
at Paris, Mo. This article was as follows: 

"To those who desire good and profitable stock farms, Adair County 
offers many advantages, fine large prairies, diversified with streams 
which furnish water, and which are thickly set on each side with good 
timber. The Grand Chariton is also a great advantage to that county, 
as it is an excellent mill stream. 

"Those who wish to build in Adair County can get lumber on rea- 
sonable terms. We saw a lot of excellent inch flooring plank, the price 
of which is there only 75 cents per hundred feet; Kirksville, the county 
seat, is now rapidly improving. The lands adjoining the county seat 
are not yet in the market. Those who wish to settle in a new county 
and rise as the county rises, will do well to pay Adair County a visit." 

Many of the pioneers who came in the early forties induced many 
of their friends who had been left behind in Kentucky, to join them.. 
This coming in of men to join former friends in their new homes in this 
county continued in a noticeable way until at least the war. 

Since the war active efforts hsLve been made at several different 
times to induce strangers to come to the county. Several immigra- 
tion societies have been formed at different times. The associations 
of Kirksville business men, which have flourished under various names 
for thirty years or more, have been the means of bringing certain enter- 
prises to the town and county which have contributed something to the 
general growth. 

The county has made steady growth all along, but that which has 
counted most in the making of the county what it is now, was done 
in the last two decades. Judging from the aggressiveness of the business 
and professional men of the county one might say that in the next twen- 
ty years a decided advance will have been made beyond what has already 
been done. 



CHAPTER IV. 
THE CREATION OF THE COUNTY. 

The history of county organization in Missouri is very instructive 
and interesting. As one follows the creation of new counties from 1804, 
when the District of Louisiana was divided into five districts, down to 
1876, by which time the present 114 counties had all been created, and 
sees the map of the counties of the state gradually assume its present 
form, one follows very closely the early growth of the state. Adair 
County was created together with thirteen other counties in 1841. Prior 
to the creation of these thirteen counties only sixty-two counties had 
been formed, just a little more than half the present numl^er of coun- 
ties in the state. In order to understand the circumstances of the or- 
ganization of Adair County and to appreciate how its creation marked 
a stage in the growth of the state, it will be well to review hurriedly 
the history of covmty organization prior to 1841. 

In 1804 the United States government divided the great Louisi- 
ana purchase territory, which had been ol)tained from France in the 
previous year, into two parts; all south of the thirty-third degree of 
north latitude was formed into the Orleans Territory and all north 
into the District of Louisiana, which was placed under the juristliction 
of (ieneral William Henry Harrison, Governor of the Indiana Terri- 
tory. In 1805 the District of Louisiana was enacted into a first-class 
territory, the lowest class of territories, and was named the Territory 
of Louisiana. Meanwhile, General Harrison had divided the District 
of Louisiana into five districts, which were called St. Charles, St. Louis, 
Ste. Genevieve, Cape Girardeau, and New Madrid. The exact bound- 
aries of these districts cannot be ascertained, but it is quite likely that 
they had the same boundaries which the districts of the same names iiad 
in 1811. In 1812 Congress raised the Territory of Louisiana into a 
second class territory and named it the Territory of Missouri. The 
Territorial legislature, which had been provided for by Congress, divided 
the territory in 1813 into seven counties: St. Charles, St. Louis, Ste. 
Genevieve, C'ape Girardeau, New Madrid, Washington, and Arkansas. 
New Madrid and Arkansas Counties was practically what is now the 
state of Arkansas. The other five counties lay within the boundaries 
of what is now Missouri. 





|B^L^' DISTRICT 
3HBj|, 1604-. 


i 



Distrust of Louisiana in. 1804, 

(This map and the five others following were marie 
from photographs of maps drawn by the Political 
Science Department of the University of Missouri. 
They are reproduced by permission of Professor 
Isador Loeb, head of that department.) 




W A 5 H I Nj ^ 



J 



Territory of Missouri, 181.'5. 



irb 



WAS« 11115 TON 




Territory of Missouri, 1816. 






':J 




Missouri Counties, 1821. 
(What is now Adair County was at that time a 
part of thetcrritoiy attached to Chariton County.) 






">/- 



i ' 




. 


i — 




I 










Missouri Counties, 1841. 
(Adair County was created in this year.) 




Missouri Counties as They Have Been Since 1876. 



The Creation of the County. 31 

In 1815 Lawrence County was formed, and in 181<) Howard County. 
The latter has been called the mother of counties because of its immense 
size and because of the great number of counties which have been cre- 
ated from within its original boundaries. Adair County was among 
this number. 

In 1818 Wayne, Franklin, Pike, Montgomery, Jefferson, Madison, 
and Lincoln Counties were created, but no one of these came from what 
was then Howard County. In 1820 twenty new counties were formed; 
of these Calloway, Boone, Chariton, and Ray were created out of How- 
ard. 

By 1830 six more new counties had been formed, one of which was 
Randolph with its present boundaries. It was carved out of the orig- 
inal Chariton County, and provision was made that all the territory 
lying to the north of it up to the Iowa line should be attached to it for 
purposes of government. This attached territory included what is 
now Adair County. 

In 1837 Macon County was formed with its present boundaries, 
by carving it out of the territory attached to Randolph County; the 
territory lying to the north of the new county was attached to it for 
purposes of government. 

In 1841 Adair C'ounty was formed with its present boundaries, by 
carving it out of the territory attached to Macon County, and the ter- 
ritory to the north of the new county was attached to it for purposes of 
government. This attached territory was erected into Scliuyler County 
in 1843, but was not completely severed from Adair County until 1845. 
Putnam County was organized in 1843 and attached to Adair Countj^ 
until 1845, when it was separated. This practice of attaching territory 
to counties prevailed through the state and was not peculiar to Ran- 
dolph, Macon and Adair County. 

It would be a matter of great interest to trace the formation of 
the other counties created since 1841, but that would lie beyond our 
province. It may be in order, however, to state in this connection that 
an effort was made in 1868 to take certain sections of Adair, Chariton, 
Macon, Sullivan and Linn Counties and make a new county out of them, 
but nothing came of the effort. 

The accompanying maps, which are printed with permission of 
the Political Science Department of the University of Missouri, pre- 
sent graphically the formation of new counties and the changes in county 
boundaries from 1803 to the present. 

It is not out of the way to mention at this point, of the boundary 
contest between Iowa and Missouri which came up in 1838. In that 



32 History of Adair County. 

year Iowa was made a separate territory, and tlie claim was set by by 
the lowans that the boundary Une between Iowa and Missouri as was 
claimed by Missouri, was about ten miles too far to the north. The 
dis]jute arose over the location of the Des Moines Rapids. In the act 
admitting ]\Iissouri into the Union, the northern boundary was de- 
scribed as a parallel passing through the rapids of the Des Moines River. 
]\Iissouri therefore claimed that the line should be tlrawn so as to com- 
ply strictly with the provisions of the act, while Iowa, after having been 
formed into a separate territory, claimed that the rapids that were in- 
tended to be mentioned in the act were in the Des Moines Rapids of the 
Mississippi, and not the Rapids of the Des Moines River. It was 
brought forth by Iowa that Missouri and Congress had by different 
acts prior to 1838 recognized that Missouri had no right to the line she 
was claiming. As has been said, the line as was claimed by Missouri, 
was ten miles farther north than Iowa was willing to recognize, and the 
area of this strip in dispute was greater than the entire area of Rhode 
Island. 

The contest hung on for a long time, and in its course Adair County 
became involved. The controversy w^as well under way when Adair 
County was organized in 1814. It will be recalled that when the county 
was organized the territory to the north of it was attached to it for pur- 
poses of government, and remained attached to it until 1845, at which 
time Schuyler (^ounty, which had been organized in 1843, was finally 
severed from Adair County completely. This attached territory in- 
cluded a part of the strip in dispute between Iowa and Missouri. When 
the officials of Adair County sought to collect taxes and administer the 
laws of Missouri in this part of the disputed territory, they found them- 
selves in trouble, just as the officials of other counties had found them- 
selves when they undertook to do the same things. Very few evidences 
of the struggle have come down to us from the records of this county, 
but the county court of this county seems to have considered that the 
contest between Iowa and IVIissouri was as good as lost as early as De- 
cember, 1843, for in that month an entry was made in the county court 
records to tlie effect that the collector, that is, the sheriff, should not 
collect any more taxes in the tcnTitory claimed by Iowa until further 
orders. 

The contest was finally settled through a friendly suit in the Su- 
preme Court of the United States in 1849. This body decided that the 
Indian line run by Sullivan in 1816 was the true boundary line, and 
appointed two commissioners to find this line and re-mark it. This 
line was run bv Hend(Tshot and Minor in 1850. The controversv closed 



The Creation of the County. 33 

with Missouri losing the case. The i)reseiit l)()un(laf>- Hne runs ten 
miles farther south than Missouri had claimed it should run. 

The act passed l)y the state legislature and approved January 29, 
1841, providing for the creation of Adair County, provided also for the 
creation of thirteen other counties in different parts of the state. Be- 
tween twenty-five and thirty separate applications for new county or- 
ganizations were sent to the legislature in January, 1841. These appli- 
cations came from the southern, western and northern parts of the 
state. The whole matter was finally referred to a joint committee of 
the two houses of the legislature, and when the committee reported, it 
was found there were two reports. The majority decided to recommend 
the organization of nineteen new counties. The minority very strenu- 
ously opposed this recommendation and bitterly fought the adoption 
of the majority report. The argument used by the minority was some- 
what as follows: The constitution of the state provided that each 
county should have one representative in the state legislature, but the 
total number of representatives for all the counties should never exceed 
one hundred. In case the counties should not be one hundred in num- 
ber, the legislature had the power to apportion the representatives 
among the various counties according to the free white male population, 
so that the total number of members in the house should reach one 
lumdred. If the bill providing for nineteen new counties should pass,, 
tliere would be eighty-one counties in the state; as each county was 
entitled to at least one representative there would be left only nineteen 
representatives to apportion among these eighty-one counties, and there 
was great difficulty in getting these nineteen properly apportioned. 
The population of the state in 1840 was 172,000 free white males, or 
381,754 persons of all ranks and conditions. On the basis of one hun- 
dred representatives in the House, the unit of representation should be 
one representative for every 1,720 free male whites, or one for every 
3,817 persons of every description. No proposed county had at the 
time 1,720 free white males or 3,817 persons of every description. 
A few came close to these figures, but most fell far short. Moreover, 
the creation of these new counties would reduce the population of the 
old counties from which they were taken, so that in many cases the 
counties that had been reduced in size Avould not contain 1,720 free 
white males or 3,817 persons of every description. If this bill should 
pass sixty-five counties would have each only one representative, and 
of these sixty-five there would be some which would have a population 
of more than 6,000. Moreover, the majority of the one hundred rep- 
resentatives in the House would be elected b}' counties having an aggre- 

4 



34 History of Adair County. 

gate population of only 124,788, while the minority would be elected 
by counties having a population of 200,906. It was admitted that many 
people who were asking for new county organizations w^ere greatl}^ in- 
convenienced by the existing conditions, but the blame for the unfort- 
unate situation was laid upon the improvident legislation of the past. 
Finally, many of the counties which had recently been organized did 
not pay enough taxes to the state to pay the expenses of their repre- 
sentatives in the legislature. 

One of the most ardent supporters of this minority report was T. 
L. Anderson of Marion County. He said in a speech marked for its 
grandiloquence, that the result would be to give double representation 
to those counties that were to be reduced in size in order to create the 
new counties; the reduced county would retain its representative and 
the newly formed county would acquire its representative. Moreover, 
the reduced county and the new county would frequently fail to have 
the number of inhabitants which the constitution requires them to have 
in order to be entitled to representation. The bill tended to take rep- 
resentation away from the larger counties and to give it to the new coun- 
ties; in other words, if the new counties were not created all the larger 
counties of the state would each have at least two representatives. If 
the bill passed fifty-one representatives representing 126,000 persons 
would have an ascendancy over the forty-nine members representing 
254,000 persons. Mr. Anderson closed his vigorous protest by object- 
ing to the fact that the matter was lieing pushed through in one omni- 
bus bill; he would have been glad to vote for the organization of cer- 
tain counties if each had l)een provided for in a special bill, but he would 
vote against them all since they were in one bill. 

No doubt there was a good deal of "politics" injected into this 
question, but the bill after having been amended so as to create only 
fourteen counties instead of nineteen as originally drawn up, Avas passed 
b}' a saf{> majority. With the passage of this act the counties of the 
state were increased to seventy-six in numlx^r. 

Adair County was named after Hon. John Adair of Kentuck>'. 
This was due to the desire of the many Kentucky immigrants who came 
to this part of the state during the decade preceding its organization as 
a county, to perpetuate the memory of one of the prominent public 
men of their old home state. John Adair was born in Chester County, 
South Carolina, in 1759. After serving in the Revolutionary army he 
went to Kentucky and there soon became identified with the public 
activities of that new commonwealth. His service was both military 
and civil in character. He was an officer in the Kentucky State Militia, 



The Creation of the C(junty. 35 

becoming ultimately Brigadier General; he served in the Indian wars 
and commanded the Kentucky troops at the battle of New Orleans. 
He was U. S. Senator from Kentucky from 1805 to 1806, Governor of 
Kentucky from 1820 to 1824, and member of Congress from Kentucky 
in 1831-:>3. He died at Harrodsburg on May 19,' 1840. It was in the 
year following his death that the county named in his honor was organ- 
ized. 

The boundaries of Adair County as the act provided for are the 
same as they are today, and are as follows: "Beginning at a point in the 
middle of range 13 on the township line dividing townships 60 and 61; 
thence west on said township line to the range line dividing ranges 17 and 
18; thence north on said range line to a point three miles north of the 
township line dividing townships 63 and 64; thence east on a line parallel 
to said township line to the center of township 64 in range 13; thence 
south to the place of beginning." The total area is 570 square miles. 

This same act also provided that Jefferson Collins of Lewis County, 
L. B. Mitchell of Clark County, and Thomas Ferrell of Monroe County, 
should be commissioners to select the permanent seat of justice for the 
county, and that this selection should he within two and one-half miles 
of the geographical center of the county. 

Some time during 1841 or 1842 these commissioners located 
and established the county seat in the east half of the northeast quarter 
of section 9, township 62 north, range 15 west. The county seat was 
called Kirksville, and the original plat was acknowledged on May 18, 
1842. The proceedings and acts of the commissioners were legalized 
by the legislature on December 19, 1842. 

The county had no official seal until 1848. The election returns 
which were sent in by the county clerk to the Secretary of State at 
Jefferson City show no seal until the year 1848, and the statement was 
frequently made in these returns that no provisions had been made as 
yet for a seal. 

For four years after Adair County was established as a separate 
county, what is now Schuyler County was attached territory. During 
these j^ears, 1841-45, the county court records of Adair County make 
mention of eleven townships. They were Benton, Morrow, Liberty, 
Wilson, Pettis, Goshen, Richland, Wells, Fabbe, Cochran and Parton 
townships. Of these the first five lay within the county proper, and the 
other six in the attached territory. After the attached territory was 
enacted into a separate county in 1845, the Adair County court in its 
May adjourned session of that year, proceeded to describe anew the 
boundaries of the five townships lying within it. These boundaries 
were as follows: 



36 



History of Aoair County. 




Townships of Auaik County in 1845 



The Ckkation of the Cointv. 



37 




Townships of Adaiu County Since 1865. 
(No attempt has been made to show the location of towns except Kirksville.) 



38 History of Adair County. 

Benton: Commencing at the northeast corner of Adair County, 
thence west along the northern boundary Hne of Adair County to where 
said Hne crosses the Chariton River; thence south along the middle 
channel of said Chariton River to where it crosses the township line di- 
viding townships 61 and 62; thence east along said line to where the 
range line dividing ranges 14 and 15 crosses the same; thence north 
along said range line to where the same crosses the township line divid- 
ing townships 63 and 64; thence east along said township line to the 
eastern boundary line of Adair County; thence north along said ])Ound- 
ary line to the place of beginning. 

Liberty: Commencing at the southwest corner of Adair County, 
from thence north along the dividing line between Adair and Sullivan 
Counties to the township line dividing townships 62 and 63; from thence 
east along said township line to where the Chariton River crosses the 
same ; thence south along the middle of the said Chariton River to the 
southern boundary of Adair County; from thence west to the place of 
beginning. 

INIoRROw: Commencing at the northwest corner of Adair County, 
from thence south along the division line between Adair and Sullivan 
Counties to where the township line dividing townships 62 and 63 
crosses the same; from thence east along said township line to where the 
same crosses the Chariton River; from thence north along the middle 
of the channel of said river to the northern boundary of Adair County; 
thence along said northern boundary line to the place of beginning. 

Pettis: Commencing on the division line between Adair and 
Macon Counties at the line dividing ranges 14 and 15, thence west 
along the division line of said counties of IMacon and Adair to the Char- 
iton River; thence north up the middle of the channel of said river to 
where the township line dividing townships 61 and 62 crosses the same; 
thence east along said township line to the range line dividing ranges 
14 and 15; thence south along said range line to the place of beginning. 

Wilson: Commencing at the southeast corner of Pettis township, 
thence east along the division line between Adair and Macon Counties 
to the southeast corner of Adair County; thence north along the divis- 
ion line between Adair and Knox Counties to the township line 
dividing townships 63 and 64; thence west along said township 
line to the range line dividing ranges 14 and 15; thence south along 
said range line to the place of beginning. 

A comparison of the two accompanying maps show that all the 
townships except Pettis are much larger than the townships of the pres- 
ent time. Benton included besides the present Benton township, all 
of Polk and part of Clay and Nineveh townships; Morrow included 



The Creation of the County. 39 

l)art8 of Nineveh and Walnut; Liberty a part of Walnut; aiul Wilson, 
all of Salt River and a part of Clay. Pettis township was in 1845 the 
same in boundaries as it is today. 

In the records of the proceedings of the county court for 1847 men- 
tion is made of a Parton township. Just what this was cannot l)e made 
out. No mention seems to be made of this township in any suljsecjuent 
record that has come down to us. Owing to the loss of so many county 
court records in the court house fire in 1865, it is impossible to state 
just when all the new townships were formed. By 1851, however, 
there were seven townships, the original five of 1845 and Polk and Clay. 
The latter was organized by the county court on June 7, 1851. The 
records from 1851 to 1857 do not show any increase in the number of 
townships, but by 1865 the number had run up to the present ten, the 
three new ones since being Nineveh, Walnut, and Salt River. It is 
the testimony of many persons that all of the ten townships were in 
existence with their present boundaries before the civil war. 

There has l)een at least one effort to create new townships since the 
present ones were formed. In 1898 Oklahoma township was formed 
by cutting off the eastern portion of Pettis and the western portion 
of Wilson and putting these parts into one township. The 
reason for doing this was to furnish more convenient voting precincts 
for the people living in this part of the county, but it is evident that 
this arrangement was not satisfactory. On December 6, 1898, Okla- 
homa township was abolished, and Wilson and Pettis townships were 
restored to their former boundaries. The county court proceeded later 
to establish convenient voting precincts in the Wilson and Pettis to^vn- 
ships, which served the purpose better than the arrangement for an 
extra township. 

Six of the townships were named after men who were prominent 
either nationally or locally at the time when they were created. Ben- 
ton was named after Thomas Hart Benton, then at the height of his 
power and influence as U. S. Senator from Missouri; Morrow, after 
Judge John Morrow, one of the original three county judges of the 
county; Pettis, after Spencer Pettis, who was Missouri's sole Congress- 
man from 1829 to 1831, and who was killed in a duel with Major Bid- 
die in St. Louis in 1831; W^ilson, after Judge Joseph Wilson, who was 
county judge from 1842 to 1844; Polk, after James K. Polk; Clay, 
after Henry Clay. Two townships took their names from their phys- 
ical conditions: Salt River is named after the river of that name that 
passes through it; Walnut, after its walnut forests. Nineveh was named 
after the German communistic colony of that name which was estab- 
lished in that part of the county about 1850. Liberty was probably 
derived from patriotic sentiments. 



CHAPTER V. 
COUNTY ORGANIZATION. 

Section I — County Officers. 

The first officers of the county were all appointed, and held from 
the time of their appointment in 1841 till the next election in 1842. 
Samuel Easton, Joseph Ringo and John Morrow were appointed Jus- 
tices of the County Court by the Governor, and Isaac Eby was likewise 
api)ointed by the Governor as Sheriff. These appointments were made 
on February 10, 1841. In April David James was appointed County 
Clerk by the County Court, and a little later in the same winter he was 
appointed Circuit Clerk by Judge Clark, Judge of the Judicial Dis- 
trict of which Adair County was a part. 

The act creating Adair County provided that the Circuit and 
County Courts should hold their sessions at the residence of David E. 
Sloan until the permanent seat of justice of the county should be estab- 
lished. It is the tradition, however, that the first session of the County 
Court was held in a large school house two miles south of what is now 
Kirksville, near the residence of a Mr. Myers. The time of this first 
session, wherever it was held, must have been not later than April, as 
the records in the Secretarj' of State's office at Jefferson City show that 
David James was appointed by the County Court })y April 5. Tra- 
dition has likewise declared that the first Circuit Court session was held 
at the residence of John Cain, six miles west of Kirksville, some time 
early in 1841. The Circuit Judge was Jas. A. Clark, and the Circuit 
Attorney, Benjamin F. Stringfellow. 

From 1841 to 1867 the county court was com|)osed of three jus- 
tices, who chose one of their number as the presiding officer. From 
1841 to 1858 the term of office was four years, and all three of the jus- 
tices came in and went out at the same time. In 1858 the terms were 
lengthened to six years, and arrangements were made so that one jus- 
tice retired every two years. 

The county court when first established attended to probate 
matters, as well as the ordinary county administration; but in 1847 
a separate probate court, composed of one judge, was established. This 
court took away from the county court its jurisdiction in probate cases. 

In 1867 a special law was passed by the legislature abolishing the 



County Organization. 41 

county court justices of Adair County and creating a couiit\- court of 
only one judge. D. S. Plooper is credited witli securing the passage 
of this law, as he was a frecjuent visitor to the legislature while the bill 
was pending. He was then appointed by the Governor to fill the office 
until the first regular election. Though his term was short, he inaugu- 
rated a change in the county finances which was greatly needed. The 
county funds had for a long time been insufficient, and as a result the 
county warrants were passing for about half their value. The crea- 
tion of a sole county judge in place of the court of three justices made it 
easier to secure court action raising the levy of taxes, so that more in- 
come would be brought in and the county's credit would be restored. 
Judge Hooper did this very thing, and though he was bitterly condemned 
for his act by many people, his financial policy proved a good one for 
the county at large, which practically all came to realize in time. In 
1868 Judge Jacob Sands was elected to succeed Judge Hooper. 

It ought to be noted here that many people believed that the county 
finances were allowed to get in a bad shape for the purpose of enabling 
a few to make money out of the matter. It has been said that those 
who bought up the protested county warrants at half price supported 
for a long time a county court organization that refused to make a levy 
sufficiently large to meet the deficiencies, but when they had accumu- 
lated a large amount of their warrants they then got a county court 
organization of one judge who raised the levy and enabled them to col- 
lect their Avarrants at full face value and with interest besides. How 
much truth there is in this cannot be said. 

The same law that abolished the county court justices in 1867, 
also abolished the probate court, and thus threw the pro])ate business 
back into the county court. In 1870, however, the legislature by an- 
other special act, restored the county court of three justices for Adair 
County, and also the probate court of one justice. 

In June, 1872, the county voted to have township organization, 
but it was over a year before the change was effected because of the 
opposition there was to the change. The proposition was carried in 
June by a vote of 660 to 295, but the election had to be held over again 
in November, because the law provided it must be carried by a majority 
of the registered voters. The second time it carried easily by a vote 
of 1548 to 491. A controversy arose as to whether the county could 
organize under the new township law which had been recently passed 
by the legislature, but the Supreme Court finally decided it could. In 
August, 1873, the new county court was convened for a called term. 
It was composed now of five judges instead of three. They were C. B. 



42 History of Adair County. 

Policy, Presiding Judge: J. S. Erwin, S. P. Shibley, A. H. Linder, and 
J. H. Rainier, District Judges. 

In 1874 a still more radical change was made by the legislature in 
the county court of Adair County. A law was passed in that j^ear pro- 
viding that this body should be composed of one judge, who should be 
called the Judge of the County Court, and of a township trustee for 
each of the ten townships of the county. The judge of the county court 
was the sole judge, except at the general term. The general term was 
the annual session of the court, which was composed of the county 
judge and the ten township trustees, and was held in June. In this 
same year, 1874, the legislature again abolished the probate court and 
transferred its business back again to the county court. 

In 1875 the present constitution of Missouri was adopted, and 
with that instrument there came to an end the long established prac- 
tice of ])assing special legislative acts regarding the organization of 
towns and counties. From that time to this the town and county or- 
ganizations have been uniform throughout the state, except in the case 
of towns that have clung to the charters that were granted to them 
prior to 1875. In conformity to that principle of uniformity in local 
administration the legislature in 1877 passed a law which provided or 
a system of county courts which have continued to this day. By this 
law each county is divided into two districts, each of which elects a 
county judge; the entire county elects the presiding judge. In this 
same year the probate court of one judge elected by the whole county 
was restored. 

The effort to inaugurate the system provided for by this law was 
opposed by the then existing county court which was organized on the 
township basis. The Governor ajipointed D. A. Eh% Noah Stukey, 
and Geo. T. Spencer as tlu^ county justices, but when they sought to 
assume the duties of their office they were opposed l)y Judge Slinger- 
land, who had been since 1876 the judge of the county court. Judge 
Slingerland claimed to be the legal judge and proceeded to open court 
before the judges ajipointed by the Governor could appear to do that 
themselves. The three judges failing to secure recognition and possess- 
ion of their offices, instituted judicial proceedings, and in the course of 
time received a decision from Judge Ellison in their favor. It seems as 
though there was something of "politics" in this controversy, inas- 
much as Judge Slingerland was a Republican and the three judges ap- 
pointed by Governor Phelps were Democrats. 

This county has never returned to township organization since its 
reorganization in 1877, though there have been at least two attempts 



County Organization. 43 

to that effect. In November, 1880, tlie county voted on tlie proposi- 
tion of adopting- township organization, and carried it by 779 to 371; but 
the Attorney General decided that it had not been legally submitted, 
and hence was lost. In November, 1890, the proposition was again 
submitted and was defeated at the polls. 

In addition to the county justices with which the count.y began 
its existence in 1841, there were a Sheriff and a Clerk of the County 
Court and of the Circuit Court. From time to time other offices have 
been created. In 1845 the office of Surveyor was created; in 184G 
that of Coroner and that of /Assessor, and in 1855, that of County Com- 
missioner. In 1859 the office of Clerk of the County Court and of the 
Circuit Court was divided, so that there were two distinct offices, that 
of Clerk of the County Court and that of Clerk of the Circuit Court. 
The duties of the Circuit Clerk included at that time not only those of 
the Circuit Clerk of today, but also those of Recorder. In 1859 there 
were four Assessors, one for each of the four districts, into which the 
county had been divided. In 1860, however, this law was changed, 
and one Assessor was provided for for the whole county, and there seem 
to have been no further changes in that office since then. 

In 1866 the offices of Supervisor of Registration and County Su- 
perintendent were established. The first was created by the C^ourt of 
1865 and passed away with the repeal in 1870 of those laws re- 
garding the suffrage that had been obnoxious. The duty of this officer 
was to supervise the registration of those voters who were made eligi- 
ble to vote under the Constitution of 1865. The office of County Commis- 
sioner which had been established in 1855, was allowed to lapse during 
the war. In 1866 the office of County Superintendent was created. 

In 1868 the office of County Treasurer was made elective instead 
of appointive, and the office of Public Administrator was created; in 
1872 that of Prosecuting Attorney and that of Collector were also estab- 
lished. The Prosecuting Attorney took the place of the County At- 
torney. When the county was organized in 1841, each judicial circuit 
in the state had a circuit attorney. In 1845 a law w^as passed by the 
legislature autliorizing the county courts to emploj' county attorneys 
to assist the circuit attorneys if they saw fit. The records- of this county 
show, however, that in 1844 the county court appointed Samuel True- 
lock as county attorney for one year at the magnificent salary of S40 
J3er year. He was to prosecute the case against Jesse Kirk, the de- 
faulting treasurer of the county. From time to time others were ap- 
pointed until 1872, though there is no evidence to show that they were 
appointed regularly every year. In 1872 the offices of Circuit Attor- 




8oME Early County Officials. 

W. T. Porter, W. H. Sheek-s, 

CiiTuit Clerk. lSt)l-t)7 SlierilT, lSrio-59 

Lshain B. Dod.son, Sheriff, lS47-r)l 

Edwin Darrow, B. F. Heiny, 

Sheriff, 1867-71 County Clerk, 1875-79 

<With the exception of that of Eilwiri Darrow. all these pictures were taken while 

the.se men were in office.) 



County Organization. 45, 

iiey and County Attorney were al)olishp(l and that of Prosecuting At- 
torney for each county was estabhshed. 

The collection of the taxes was originally the A\'ork of the sheriff, 
who used to make trips throughout the county to gather up the taxes. 
He did not carry pads of blank receipts which he filled out and handed 
to the taxpayers as the}- paid their taxes, but instead a package of legal 
cap paper. On narrow slips of foolscap or legal cap paper he wrote out 
the receipt for the total amount, omitting the different items and de- 
tails. He was relieved of this duty in 1872, when the office of County 
Collector was created. The county court may yet order the County 
(^ollector to make trips to different parts of the county to facilitate the 
collection of taxes, and as late at least as 1891 the court was accustomed 
to make this order, and the collector would appear at different places 
at different times. For example, M. F. Strock announced in 1886 his 
schedule as follows: 

Sperry — Clay Township October 7- 9 

Stahl— Morrow Township October 1 1-13 

Novinger — Nineveh Township October 14-16 

Millard— Pettis Township October 25-27 

Sublette— Polk Township October 28-30 

Wilson — Wilson Township November 8-10 

Brashear — Salt River Township November 11-13 

In 1874 the office of County Superintendent was abolished by the 
legislature and that of Coimty Commissioner was created in its stead. 

The office of Recorder was created by order of the County Court 
April 9, 1898. Prior to that time this office had been included in this 
county under that of Circuit Clerk. In 1865 a law had been passed by 
the legislature providing that when a county had a population of 10,000 or 
more the county court might order a separation of the circuit clerk and 
recorder. In 1870 the county had a population of 11,000, but the 
county court did not see fit to order the separation of the two offices 
until 1898. As soon as Governor Stephens was notified of this act of 
the county court he appointed Harry Focht as Recorder; he served from 
April 18, 1898 to January 1, 1899. He was succeeded by Grant Cor- 
bin, who was Circuit Clerk and Recorder when the division was 
made. 

The last elective office to be created in Adair County was that of 
County Superintendent. In 1905 this office was created by the vote 
of the people of the county according to a law which permitted coun- 
ties to have county superintendents instead of county commissioners, 



46 History of Adair County. 

if they chose to have them. In 1909 the h^^v was changed, compeUing 
each county to have county supervision of the rural and village schools. 
The following tabulation shows the various county offices from 
1841 to the present. It is not claimed that this is absolutely correct. 
It is made up largel\' from election returns and does not always take 
into account those who failed to qualify or those who were appointed 
to fill unexpired terms. In the main, however, this list is believed to 
be correct. 





STATE SENATOR 


REPRESENTATIVE 




1841 








1843 


Maj. Bean 


Alaj. Lusk 




1845 




" 




1847 


M 


Jas. C. (iood 




1849 




M 




1851 


Hancock Jackson 


Joseph Ringo 




1853 




John T. t^niith 




1855 




W. H. Parcells 




1857 


Thos. Richardson 


n 




1859 


W. S. Fox 


W. M. Gates 




1861 




W. H. Parcells 




1863 


Abner Gilstrap 


Jonathan Ransom 




1865 




Dr. Lee 




1867 


Isham B. Doclson 


A. H. Linder 




1869 




A. L. Gibbs 




1871 


R. H. Browne 


D. S. Hooper 




1873 




n 




1875 


W. U. Rubey 


Jas. Marquess 




1877 




S. M. Pickler 




1879 


H. F. Caldwell 


F. M. Harrington 





1881 


0. T. Rouse (1) 


n 


1883 




n 


1885 


W. M. Vancleave 


J ) 


1887 


W. H. Sears (2) 


J. W. Davis 


1889 


N. IM. Shelton 


7 ) 


1891 




J. T. Reynolds 


1893 


E. R. Stephens 


P. D. Grubb 


1895 


A. N. Seaber 


>7 


1897 




S. M. Pickler 


1899 


E. B. Fields 


)> 


1901 




A. G. Hildreth 


1903 


T. L. Ruljey 


yj 


1905 


G. W. Humphrey 


F. M. Harrington 


1907 




F. P. Young 


1909 


n 


J. W. Tinsman 


1911 




S. M. Pickler 



(1) State Senators are elected for four years. The redistricting of the State 
every ten years frequently effected a tran.sfer of Adair County from one district to 
another, so that there is some apparent irregularity in the succession in office. This 
is true in 1881, 1891, and 1901. 

(2) Elected to fill vacancy. 





CIRCUIT JUDGE 


CIRCUIT ATTORNEY 


CIRCUIT CLERK 


1841 


J as. A. riark 


B. F. Strinofellow 


David Jnmes (2) 


1843 




Wesley Hamilton 


" 


1845 


Addison Reese 


Jos. R. Abernathy 




1847 








1849 






)) 


1851 




J. J. Lindley 




1853 




John (\ Anderson 




1855 






E. M. C. Morelock 


1857 








1859 


Thos. Richardson 


B. G. Barrow 




1861 






W. T. Porter 


1863 


Jas. Ellison 


John T. Foster 




1865 


E. V. Wilson 


W. ('. Hilhs 




1867 






E. 0. Gates / 


1869 








1871 


J. W. Henry 


Fletcher White 
Pros. Att'y (1) 


A. Slingerland 


1873 




J. A. Pickler 




1875 


J} 


Jas. Elhson 


D. C. Pierce 


1877 


Andrew Ellison 


A. D. Risdon 




1879 


>) 


P. F. Greenwood 


W. J. Ashlock 


1881 


}} 


A. D. Risdon 




1883 




" 


>j 


1885 




n 




1887 


jj 


J. W. Johnston 


Jas. B. Dodson 


1889 




}} 




1891 




M.D. Campbell 


A. P. Hibbs 


1893 


ji 


J. B. Dodson 




1895 




A. D. Risdon 


Grant ('or))iii 


1897 




J. C'. Storm 




1899 


N. M. Shelton 


W. 1). (joode 


S. S. Gavett 


1901 




n 




1903 




J. A. Cooley 


)) 


1905 


}> 


>) 




1907 




W. E. Shirley 


Ed. Rorabau<>;h 


1909 




J. E. Rieser 




1911 


M 


G. G. Weatherby 


)) 



(1) The office of Prosecuting Attorney was created in 1872, whereupon the office 
of Circuit Attorney was discontinued. County Attorneys were originally ai>pointod 
to assist th(! Circuit- Attorneys. 

(2) The offi(;('s of Circuit Clerk and of County Clerk was held by the sainc per- 
son from 1S41 to 1S60. The term was six years until it was changed to four years 
in 1807. 







RECORDER 


COUNTY CLERK 


ASSESSOR 


1841 






David James (1) 


Thoret Rose 


1843 






n 


n 


1845 






. 


>> 


1847 
1849 






>> 


Christian Krupp 


1851 








)) 


1853 








Isaac Turner 


1855 






E. M. C. INIorelock 




1857 
1859 
1861 






R. M. Ringo 


(3) 

Franklin Freeman 


1863 

1 oi^ r 








Jas. A. Smith 


18oo 
1867 
1869 






John Richey 


H. W. Snyder 
W. J. Ashlock 


1871 






)) 


n 


1873 








Jas. Brewington 


1875 






B. F. Heiny 


(4) 


1877 








(4) 


1879 






J. C. Carothers 


D. C. Lord 


1881 








J. W. Waddill 


1883 






S. S. McLaughlin 


n 


1885 








H. C. Sohn 


1887 




■ 


}> 


}j 


1889 








A. C. Rowlinson 


1891 






P. J. Rieger 


F. M. Gimiand 


1893 








A. C. RoAvlinson 


1895 






Hezekiah Grisham 


T. A. Hulse 


1897 








" (5) 


1899 


G 


rant Corbin (2) 


W. R. Holloway 




1901 








Chas. Englehart 


1903 


R 


M. Aliller 


" 




1905 








W. S. Polley 


1907 


G 


?o. Tut tie 


John T. Waddill 




1909 








>; 


1911 


Grove Lowrance 


>?. 





(1) The Circuit Clerk and County Clerk offices were hekl by the same men 
until 1860 when they were separated. The term was originally six years, but was 
cut down to four years in 1867, and has remained so to the present. 

(2) The duties of Recorder were taken from the Circuit Clerk in 1898 and a 
separate office was created. Harry Focht was Recorder by appointment by the 
Governor in 1898. 

(8) In 1859 there were four assessors for the county instead of one; they were 
.T. A. 8mith, R. M. Ringo, John jNIcAllister, and John Pickens. 

(4) The county had township organization from 1S74 to 1877, and hence there 
were no County Assessors during that period. 

(5) The Assessor's term was lengthened to four 3'ears in 1897. 





SHERIFF 


COLLECTOR 


TREASURER 


1841 


Isaac N. Ehy 




W. G. Warrener 


1843 






Jesse Kirk 


1845 


Preston MuUanix 




John D. Gallison 
John T. Sjnith 


1847 


Isharn B. Dodson 




(5) 


1849 


;,' 






1851 


John Adkins 




Benj. Murphy 


1853 


jj 




Evans Mulanix 


1855 


W. H. Sheeks 




J. C. Thatcher 


1857 


jj 




(6) 


1859 


Andrew Bcatty 






1861 


> ) 






1863 


John Owenljy 






1865 


jj 






1867 


Edwin D arrow 






1869 


n 




G. W. Parks 


1871 


A. J. Knight 




H. W. Snyder 


1873 


J. D. Miller 


A. J. Knight (2) 


" 


1875 


jy 


(3) 


!J 


1877 


P. M. Smith 


(3) 


)) 


1879 


" 


H. W. Snyder 


G. M. McGuire 


1881 


John Shaver 


R. G. Bieiby 


P. J. Brown 


1883 


ji 


)! 


G. H. Malone 


1885 


J. H. Kiimear 


M. F. Strock 


M. J. Ross 


1887 


n 


>j 


)) 


1889 


G. F. Williams 


Jacob Sands 


Theo. Brigham 


1891 


E. A. Polly 


J. H. Paul 


A. D. Starr 


1893 


G. W. Rupc 


Wm. Meeks 


J. S. Matter 


1895 


n 


n 


n 


1897 


H. I. Blackledgc 


W. F. Engelhart 


Benj. Ely 


1899 


n 


) ) 


J. S. Matter 


1901 


C. N. Ro])erts 


F. W. Gibbs 


)) 


1903 


>! 




J as. Grow 


1905 


J. T. Gurry 


).' 


Jos. Berry 


1907 


M 


C. A. Ghadwick (4) 


>) 


1909 


G. F. Williams (1) 




H. G. ^\ orman (7) 


1911 




U. S. G. Downing 





(1) 'I'hc term of Sheriff's office was Icngthoned to four j'oars in 1909. 

(2) The duty of collecting taxes was taken from the Sheriff in 1872, and the of- 
fice of Collector "was thereupon created. 

(:V) The county was under townshij) organization from 1S75 to 1S77, and there 
was no Covmty Collector during that period. 

(4) The term of the County Collector was lengthened to four years in 1907. 

(5) The office of Treasurer was filled by appointment of the Coimty Court ap- 
parrently until 1S6S, when it became elective. 

(6) Names of Treasurers from 1S47 to 1SG7 could not be found. 

(7) The Treasurer's term of office was lengthened to four years in 1909. 



CORONER 




(1) The office of Coroner was created in 1846, but tlie incumbents of that office 
down to 1865 have not been discovered. 

(2) The office of Surveyor was created in 1845. The term of office has always 
been four years. The first Surveyor was appointed until election. Bartlett Asher 
resigned before the expiration of his term. 

(3) Edwin Darrow was elected in 1863 for four years, but the Constitution of 
1865 required re-election of all officers, hence the re-election of Darrow in 1865 for 
four years. 

(4) The office of County Superintendent was estabhshed in 1866. It was changed 
to County Commissioner in 1874. In 1905 the county adopted County supervision, 
thereby providing for County Superintendents. \^'. T. Porter is said to have been 
elected County Superintendent in 1857, but it is not clear just what the office was 
at that time. 



52 History of Adair County. 

The })eculiar organization of the county court and probate court 
and tlie IVeciuent and irregular changes made in tlieir membership from 
1841 to 1873, make it impossil^le to show easily in tabular form the 
members of these bodies during that period. The membership of the 
county court down to 1878 will be given here in narrative form, and then 
the membership from 1878 to the present will follow in tal)ular form. 
Similar treatment will be given the probate court immediately after this. 

The first county court was composed of Samuel Easton, Joseph 
Ringo, and John Morrow, who were appointed by the Governor in 1841 
until the first election. In 1842 they were succeeded l^y Jeremiah Bru- 
ner, Isaac Gilstrap, and Jos. Wilson, who were elected for a term of four 
years. In 1844 Gilstrap and Wilson resigned, and they were succeeded 
by Nathan Dick and Jonathan Floyd. In 1845 Bruner and Dick resigned, 
and Noah Stukey and Samuel Withrow were appointed in their places. 

In 1846 Noah Stukey, John Murphy and Jonathan Floyd were 
elected for four years. 

In 1850 Ellis Wilson, I'ranklin Freeman and Golden W. Hardin were 
elected for four years. In 1851 W. E. Green was elected in place of EUis 
Wilson resigned. When Green resigned in 1852, Geo. Miller was appointed 
in his stead. In 1851 B. G. Barrow was elected county justice, and in 
1853 D. A. Ely was appointed; but whom they succeeded is not known. 

In 1854 Nelson Grogan, John ■\I. Galyen and Henrj^ Shibley were 
elected for four years. In 1856 Franklin Freeman Avas appointed in 
place of Shibley resigned. 

In 1858 a change was made in the time when the terms of the dif- 
ferent members would expire. Jacob Gilstrap was elected for two 
years, Noah Stukey for four years, and D. A. Ely for six years. In 1860, 
therefore, Andrew ]\IcFerron was elected for six years in place of Gil- 
strap, and in 1862 Noah Stukey was elected for six years to succeed 
iiimself , and Canada Owcnl)y for four years in place of McFerron resigned, 
and in 1864 S. P. Shibley was elected for six years to succeed D. A. Ely. 

In 1865 all the justices were declared removed and S. P. Shibley 
was appointed for the long term, Canada Owenby for the middle term, 
and O. 11. lieeman for the short term. 

In 1866 new judges were elected as follows: John Shibley for six 
years, Andrew Gregg for four years, and Wm. Rogers for two years. 

In 1867 a si)ecial law was passed abolishing the court of three judges 
and substituting a court of one judge. D. S. Hooper was appointed to 
this position in 1867. In 1868 Jacol) Sands was elected to succeed him 
for six years. 

In 1870 the court was reorganized and two associates added to the 
sole judge. A. .M. Gregg and A. H. Linder were appointed as associates, 



County Organization. 



53 



aiul were succeeded 1)\' .hicol) Cook for six y(»ars and A. N. (ireftji; for 
four years. In 1872 S. M. Crawford was elected to take Sands' place. 

In 1873 the County Court was reorganized. C. B. Polley was 
Presiding Judge, and J. S. Erwin, S. P. Shibley, A. H. Linder, and 
J. il. Rainier were District Judges. 

In 1874 a further change was made. The court was composed of a 
presiding judge and two township judges. Noah Stukey was presiding 
judge and the Township Judges were: A. K. CoUett, Benton; John W. 
Gill, Salt River; S. M. Crawford, Pettis; A. J. Elmore, Wilson; T. G. 
Summers, Walnut; James Shott, Nineveh; E. M. C. Morelock, Morrow; 
D. A. Ely, Polk; W. E. Emerson, Clay; A. H. Linder, Liberty. 

In 1876 A. Slingerland was Presiding Judge, and the township 
judges were: P. J. Brown, Benton; D. A. Ely, Polk; E. M. C. More- 
lock, Morrow; J. R. Cook, Wilson; James Shott, Nineveh; G. W. Lord, 
Clay; A. H. Linder, Liberty; J. N. McCreery, Salt River; A. B. Milli- 
ken, Walnut; S. M. Crawford, Pettis. 

In 1877 a law providing for uniform county organization was 
passed according to the provisions of the Constitution of the State of 
1875 and the Governor appointed Noah Stukey, D. A. Ely and G. T. 
Spencer as the County Judges, with Noah Stukey as Presiding Judge, 
and the other two as district judges. From that day to this there has 
been no change in the form of the court. 



PRESIDING JUDGE 



JUDGE FIRST DISTRICT JUDGE SECOND DISTRICT 



1879 


M. G. Clem 


P. D. Shoop 


John H. Rainier 


1881 




S. F. Stahl 


J. Q. Johnson 


1883 


J. L. Hawkins 


G. W. Novinger 


J! 


1885 




J. H. Novinger 


Geo. R. Huston 


1887 


W. P. Linder 


A. N. Toler 


) J 


1889 




R. N. Toler 


Geo. Meeks 


1891 


J. J. Keim 


Adam Shoop 


Wm. Hart 


1893 




fj 


Dan'l Tuttle 


1895 


J. A. Bragg 


Jos. Hickman 


; ) 


1897 




'7 


D. H. Crawford 


1899 


Jos. Hickman 


R. N. Toler 


G. W. Newton 


1901 




W. C. Ditmars 


) ) 


1903 


G. W. Newton 


" 


B. R. Hawkins 


1905 




C. E. IVIarkey 


j; 


1907 


W. C. Ditmars 


}} 


R. W. Hart 


1909 




Z. T. Hagans 


}> 


1911 


A. P. Hopson 


J. H. Shoop 


S. J. Reed 



54 



History of Adair County. 



The probate court as a separate court was provided for by a law 
of 1845. Wm. Hibbard was elected for a term of four years commenc- 
ing in 1847. He was succeeded by B. G. Barrow in 1851, and then 
Abel Stukey served for two terms commencing in 1856. S. N. Hol- 
loway served from 1864 to 1867, when the court was abolished and the 
probate business was transferred to the count}^ court. In 1870 the 
court was restored, abolished in 1874, and restored in 1877, and has re- 
mained in existence ever since. Jacob Sands w^as Probate Judge from 
1870 to 1874. 

The probate judges from 1879 to the present are given in the 
following table: 





PROBATE .TUDGE ' 


PUBLIC ADMTN'R 




1869 




Guy Chandler (1) 




1871 








1873 




)> 




1875 








1877 




A. L. Shepherd 




1879 


J. D. Stephens 






1881 




S. A. ^lurphy 




1883 


(\ L. Lewis 






1885 




Jas. Wait 




1887 


>) 






1889 




)j 




1891 


Isaac Morgan 






1893 




Sam'l Preston 




1895 


H. C. Farrington 






1897 




Thos. Shott 




1899 


„ 


Sam'l Preston 




1901 




L. P. Carmen 




1903 


U. S. G. Keller 






1905 




)} 




1907 


' ' 






1909 




Geo. E. McDowt'lI 




1911 


" 







(1) The oftifo of Public Administrator was created in 1S(>S. The term has al 
ways been fovu" Ncars. 



County OmiANizATioN. 55 

TluTc have l)eeu a number of cases !)r()ught against different county 
officials for dereliction of duty and other things. Most of them belong 
to the early period of the county. The most interesting is that of John 
Owenby, who was sheriff during the war. 

Owenby left Kirksville for Jefferson City on February 1, 1867, 
with $14,000 for the state, but when it was learned he had absconded, 
his bondsmen, D. A. Ely and W. B. Harlan, started out in pursuit of 
him, and with the aid of a St. Louis detective found him in the Indian 
Territory. Charges of embezzlement were preferred against him, but 
the case was never brought to trial. 

In defense of Owenby it is claimed by his friends that he had been 
duped by men who pretended to be his friends, and that he never in- 
tended fraud. 

As an aftermath to this case arose the combat over what was popu- 
larly known as the "Big Warrant." The bondsmen of Owenby pre- 
sented a bill of $1,632.35 to the county court as the amount they had 
expended in finding Owenby and bringing him back. The county court 
granted a warrant for the amount, justifying their action on the ground 
that the bondsmen had had an understanding with at least one mem- 
her of the court before the pursuit was begun that this expense would 
be borne by the county inasmuch as Owenby would be able to give cer- 
tain information regarding some valuable documents that had been 
burned in the court house fire in April, 1865. The warrant went to pro- 
test because of lack of funds. In the course of time a judgment of 
$5,000 was rendered against the bondsmen on account of Owenby. 
The bondsmen tried to offer the warrant in partial payment of the judg- 
ment, but by that time Judge Hooper was the sole county judge and 
he refused to honor the warrant issued by his predecessors. The mat- 
ter was taken to the circuit court and there decided against the bonds- 
men, and on their appealing it to the Supreme Court the decision of the 
circuit court was confirmed in November, 1870. The ground for this 
decision were that the bondsmen were not acting as county officers in 
pursuing Owenby, but as private citizens trying to prevent the loss they 
would sustain as his bondsmen. The matter stirred up a great deal of 
feeling in the community, and was hotly debated on the streets and in 
the press. Among the articles written on it was one by P. F. and J. M. 
Greenwood entitled "Down with the Big Warrant." 

Another case concerns E. JNI. C. Morelock, County and Circuit 
Clerk from 1855 to 1861. In October 1856, his ))ondsmen, Joseph 
Ringo, W. H. Parcels, Canada Owenby and O. H. Beeman, petitioned the 
County Court t(j remove him because of prolonged drunkenness and 



56 History of Adair County. 

failure to perform the duties of his office, and to inform the Attorney 
General of the State so that prosecution should be begun against him. 
The Court immediately declared him suspended from office and ap- 
pointed B. G. Barrow as Clerk for an uncertain term. The case, how- 
ever, was never brought to trial. His original bondsmen were released 
and on presenting a new bond he was reinstated in office in Dec, 1856. 

Section II — County Buildings. 

Court House — The law creating the county provided, as has been 
stated before, that the first session of the county court should be held at the 
residence of David E. Sloan, but no record has survived to tell us anything 
of this first meeting. Tradition has it, as has been noted before, that the 
first meeting was held at a school house two miles south of what is now 
Kirksville, instead of Sloan's house. The first records of the county 
court that have come down to us are for the meeting held on November 
17, 1842, at the house of Jesse Kirk, which stood a short distance from 
where the Wabash Depot in Kirksville now stands, and from that time 
to May, 1843, the sessions of the county court were held in his house. 

During this period arrangements were made for the construction 
of a temporary court house at Kirksville. This was well enough under 
construction by July, 1843 to allow the county court to hold its first 
session in it on the 15th of that month. The work on it, however, was 
not fully completed until the following month. It stood on the lot on 
which the National Bank of Kirksville now stands, and is descril)ed as 
a low one story brick affair, and is said to have cost $1,000, a large 
amount for those days and relatively greater in value than the same 
amount today. The honor of constructing it fell to John B. Earhart, 
who did th(^ i^rick work, and to John D. Callison, who had the contract 
for the wood work. David James, the County Clerk, had the contract 
for supplying the furniture. The order of the court for the furnishings 
was as follows: "Ordered by the Court that David James furnish four 
chairs and furnish a sufficient quantity of benches for the use of the 
Court House, also a bar for the room; also to furnish window shutters 
for all the windows of the Court House, with hasps or hooks to fasten 
tlieni on the inside of the Court House, also one door shutter with a 
lock and key, and locks and kees [sic] to all the other doors, the fore- 
mentioned [sic] materials all to be good and suljstanch [sic] and to be 
done ])lain and neat." 

It was felt at the time when this court house was built that it was 
only a makeshift, and so within ten years the county court began to 
plan the erection of a permanent building. In February, 1852, the 



County Organization. 57 

court ordered tliat a two story court house should he erected m the 
pul)Uc square at KirksviUe. To this order the PresicUug Judge, Frank- 
hn Freeman, dissented and left his dissent a matter of record. The 
immense sum of $2,200 was appropriated to build the court house thus 
ordered, and patriotic citizens desiring to contribute to a court house 
fund were urged to do so, and were offered county warrants bearing 
six per cent interest in return for their help. Wm. H. Parcells was ap- 
l)ointed Superintendent of Construction, and he was instructed to go to 
Edina and procure the plan of the court house of Knox county and sub- 
mit it to the court. The court later approved the plan which Mr. Par- 
cells presented and ordered that he should let the contract on March 
8, 1852. On that day the contract was let to Galyen and Douglass, 
whereupon the court appropriated $150 more to the original $2,200. 
How much more it cost by the time it was completed is not known. 
During the year 1853 the county court began to use part of the building, 
but it was at least two years before the work may be said to have been 
finished. The cupola which was the chief exterior adornment, was at 
the same time the source of a great deal of trouble, and the records show 
that order after order was made to have it repaired so that it would no 
longer leak. As late as 1857 the records further show that some sort of 
work was being done from time to time in the way of finishing certain 
parts of the building. The building was arranged so that the first floor 
contained office rooms, and the second floor the court room and a few 
other office rooms. 

The court rooms of the first and second court houses were long used 
for religious purposes and for school purposes. As earlj' as November, 
1844, the court authorized the holding of religious services in the court 
room of the first court house, and in August, 1851, Robert S. Thompson 
was given the right to hold a school in it. In December, 1856, Samuel 
Sherman was authorized to maintain a school in the court room of the 
second court house, provided he would allow political and railroad meet- 
ings at any time and religious services in it on Saturdays and Sundays. 
There are many persons yet living in KirksviUe who can remember when 
the religious services of the town were held in the court room. In fact, 
there was no other place of worship in the town until the Cumberland 
Academy building was erected in the early sixties. Just exactly when 
that building was fitted up for church purposes is not known. 

Early on the morning of April 12, 1865, the second court house was 
destroyed by fire. It is presumed that the fire started in the county 
clerk's office or near it, inasmuch as this office was practically destroyed 
by the time the fire was discovered. No one knows how the fire started, 




Thk Second Ada hi County Couut House. 

Built in 1853-55; burnod to the grouiiil April 12, 1805. This huildiuK stood where 
the present one sttuids. This cul is nmdc from an old da^ucrreot >•])('. 



County Okga>jization. 59 

l)ut the presumption is that it was due to accident, thougli the charge 
has been made in the pubhc prints of the county that it was the work of 
incentharies who sought to cover up certain things that the records 
showed to their (hsadvantage. Many of the records of the circuit 
clerk's and recorder's office were saved, but the records of the circuit 
court were badly burned. The circuit court records that were saved 
have since been recopied in new volumes, but the half burnt originals 
liave been lost. The copied volumes contain only fragments of the 
original records. Only three volumes of the records of the county 
clerk's office were saved, and they were on fire wdien they were taken 
out. Two of these volumes contain the record of most of proceedings 
of the county court from November, 1842, to November, 1857. These 
volumes, with the binding burnt off and the edges of the leaves charred, 
are now preserved in two tin boxes in the county clerk's office, and are 
among the most valuable historical documents on the early history of 
the county. Another volume taken from the county clerk's office, the 
assessor's Tax Book evidently for 1859, is likewise badly burned and is 
preserved in another tin box. The saving of the records in the circuit 
clerk and recorder's office was largely due to Mr. John L. Porter, who 
was then deputy in that office, and to Mr. Ebenezer Vorhees. These 
two men took their turn in going in among the falling embers and hand- 
ing out the records through the windows. 

Over thirty years passed before Adair County possessed another 
court house of her own. Meanwhile, the court house square became 
known as the Park, which in time was set out in beautiful trees, though 
there were times when it was neglected and abused. A band stand 
was erected at one time in it, and this was used by the Kirksville band 
for its open air concerts. Moreover, during this period of thirty years 
the county offices and the courts were housed in different ])uildings around 
the square at different times. 

The proposition to vote bonds to build a court house was submitted 
to the voters of the county at four different times at least and defeated 
each time before it was carried. The first which proposed the the issue 
of $40,000 in bonds, was submitted November 5, 1872, and was de- 
feated by a vote of 179 for to 1788 against. The defeat was doubtless 
due in part to the fact that the county was already heavily loaded with 
bonded indebtedness. Bonds to the amount of $78,000 had been is- 
sued in 1870 for the Normal School, and l^onds to the amount of $75,000 
had been issued for the Q. M. & P. R. R. Moreover, Benton township 
had voted $40,000 and the east half of Salt River Township $6,000 for 
the same railroad, so that the sum total of bonded indebtedness of the 



60 History of iVdair County. 

county and the two townships just mentioned amounted to $219,000. 
It is not surprising that the proposition to vote $40,000 more in iDonds 
for a court house should have been defeated so decidedly at the polls. 

The second proposition was submitted on June 2, 1891. This 
was to issue bonds to the amount of $50,000 to build a court house and 
a jail. The county court decided that if the matter carried, the court 
house should be erected in the center of the square. But the matter 
was defeated by a vote of 737 for and 875 against. No such explana- 
tion can be offered for this defeat as was given for that in 1872. The 
county was at that time getting out of debt, the Normal School bonds 
having been paid off and the railroad bonds having been cut down consider- 
ably. Moreover, the county came very near losing all its records by 
fire a few months previous. On December 13, 1890, the northwest 
corner of the square, including the Masonic building in which the county 
offices and court were located, was ])urned to the ground. This would 
seem to have been sufficient warning to ui'ge the people to vote to care for 
their own records, especially since the financial condition of the county was 
better than it had been twenty years before. But this did not prove 
to be the case. The election returns show that the country people de- 
feated the proposition. Many of them said that Kirksville ought to 
build the court house and that they would leave it for the town to do 
so. It was also said that no plans had been submitted to the people 
so they could see wdiat they were going to get for their money, and 
hence they would not support the proposition. 

One of the questions that had Ijeen long discussed jjrior to this 
election was the site for the new court house when it should l)e built. 
The first court house had stood on the northwest corner of the scjuare, 
but the second in the center of the square or park. Many people wanted 
the new court house in the square, but some protested against that 
and advocated the i^urchasing of a lot somewhere either on or off the 
square on which should l)e erected the court house. One reason given 
against the square or park as the site was that the court house would 
have to have four expensive fronts, while if it were built on an ordinary 
lot it would need only one front and hence would not be so ex]:)ensive. 

The third proposition was submitted in November, 1892. This 
provided for bonds to the amount of $40,000 for a court house and jail, 
but was lost by a vote of 1094 for and 1407 against. 

The fourth proposition was submitted at the regular election four 
years later, that is, in November, 1896. This provide.d for bonds to 
the amount of $50,000 for a court house and jail, and while the vote was 
a little stronger for the proposition than the one cast in 1892, it was 
not enough to carrv it. The vote stood 1422 for and 1592 against. 



County Organization. 61 

The last effort showed that the sentiment was gaining in favor of 
the building of a court house. This was a matter of encouragement 
to those who had long worked to give the county adequate protection 
for its records and who had some pride in the county's respectability. 
Within a year the matter was submitted again, and this time with suc- 
cess. On July 6, 1897 a petition bearing over 400 names was submitted 
to the county court asking for a special election to vote on $50,000 
bonds to erect a court house and jail, with the proviso that the court 
house would be built in the public square. The county court granted 
the petition and ordered the election to be held on August 3, 1897. The 
vote stood 1993 for, and 650 against. The victory for the court house 
was a decided one and reflected credit on the voters of the county. 

The county court accepted the plans and specifications of Kirsch 
& Company of Milwaukee, and let the contract for building the court 
house according to the plans and specifications on November 6, 1897, 
to Anderson & Menke for $46,675.00. 

The corner stone was laid with elaborate ceremony on Monday ,^ 
May 2, 1898. The day was not as auspicious as had been hoped, on 
account of the rain the clay before and the threatening weather that 
day. But as it was, thousands of people were in town and witnessed the 
ceremony. In addition to the regular trains which brought in many 
people, a special train came up from Moberly. 

At about twelve o'clock the parade was formed on High Street and 
moved west on McPherson to Franklin, south to Jefferson, west to 
Elson, north to Harrison, east to Franklin and south to the Grand Stand 
on Washington. Those in the parade came in the following order: 
Kirksville Cornet Band, Masonic Order, County Officials, City officials, 
Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows, Lincoln Legion of Honor, G. A. R. 
Posts, Woodmen Order, American School of Osteopathy, Public Schools, 
Columbia School of Osteopathy, State Normal School, Adair County 
Volunteers, Old Settlers and other Citizens, and Marine Brass Band. 
H. A. Butler was Marshal of the day. 

After the parade halted at the Grand Stand, the following program 
was carried out: The Address of Welcome was delivered by Mayor 
T. J. Dockery. The corner stone was then laid with Masonic rites 
under the direction of Andrew Fisher, acting Grand Master, of La Belle. 
The oration Avas delivered bj^ Dr. C. H. Briggs, S. G. W. of the Grand 
Lodge of Missouri. 

The program closed with a series of ''toasts" as follows: "Adair 
County, Past, Present and Future," S. M. Pickler; "The State Normal 
School," Prof. R. C. Norton; "The Public Schools," Superintendent 




o - 



County Organization. 63 

AV. R. Holloway; "The American School of Osteopathy," Dr. Wm. 
Smith; "The Columbia School of Osteopathy," Dr. U. M. Browder; 
"The Old Settlers," Rev. Wm. L. Fletcher; 'The Churches and Sunday 
Schools," Rev. G. W. Sharp. 

The building was finished and occupied on March 31, 1899.. 

For some reason or other the court did not include the building of 
a jail in the contract, and the total cost of the court house including 
fixtures, was considerably beyond the original contract. This extra 
expenditure was borne out of the contingent fund of the county. There 
was consideraljle criticism on the part of some people because of the 
way the matter turned out. The building, however, is architecturally 
a credit to the county, and could not be rebuilt today for probably one- 
half again as much as it cost. 

As has been said, the county officers and the county courts were 
housed in various places during the period between the fire in 1865 and 
the erection of the present court house in 1897-98. For about twenty 
years after the fire the different offices were located here and there as 
facilities could be found. It was impossible to find a building where 
all the offices could l)e accommodated. For a while a part of the jail 
])uilding was used l:;y the county clerk and the county court. A build- 
ing called Sherwood Hall on the south side, and also another building 
known as the Baylor building, the present Savings Bank Building, 
were used at different times for some of the county offices. When the 
Masonic building was erected on the northwest corner of the square in 
1885, the offices and courts were moved into it. The burning of that 
l)uilding in 1890 forced the county court to provide temporary cjuarters 
in what is known as the Spencer block just south of the Citizens Na- 
tional Bank, but a.s soon as the Masonic building was rebuilt on its 
present site, that is just north of where the one that burned had stood, the 
county offices and courts were moved there. There they remained 
until the present court house was occupied in 1899. 

Jail — In the early days the county had a kind of calaboose for the 
detention of prisoners. It is said to have been a log affair with the logs 
fitted closely together. Just where' it stood is not known. 

A few years before the civil war, probably in 1858, the county built 
a jail on the site where the present jail stands. The original structure 
was a low, small square brick building in which the various cells were 
placed. In a few years after it was erected a frame addition was built 
on the front for the use of the jailer. An addition was made to this 
frame part in 1877. It has just been noted how after the court house 



64 History of Adair County. 

was burned in 1865 the count}' was compelled to make use of the frame 
portion for some of the county offices, for a while at least. 

Mr. T. J. Dockery, who has long resided in Kirksville, recalls quite 
well how this jail was thought of as a wonderful structure when it was 
built. He says that the people used to go and look at it and become 
convinced on seeing it that it was proof against jail deliveries. But it 
was found out that it was not so secure a place after all. On October 5, 
1873, a jail delivery took place and five or six of the inmates made their 
escape. After that several other escapes were made, so that it became 
a common remark that anybody could get out who wanted to. When 
it. was thought necessary to use precaution in safekeeping prisoners, 
they were taken to the jails of neighboring counties. 

The place was long recognized as unsanitary and ill-fitted for what 
it was intended to be. As early as 1878 the Grand Jury left on record 
its adverse criticism, and nearly every grand jury that inspected this 
jail until it was torn down, reiterated this criticism. The building, 
however, was allowed to remain in use nearly fifty years before a mod- 
ern one was erected in its place. 

One event took place in the old jail that should be mentioned. 
On January 15, 1904, John M. Robertson was executed in it by Sheriff 
C. N. Roberts, for the murder of his father-in-law, George Conkle, on 
November 13, 1902. This is the only legal execution the county has 
ever had. 

We have seen that the county had voted bonds in 1897 to build a 
court house and a jail, but that the county court had put all the money 
thus voted into a court house. That left the matter in such a shape 
that the jail had to l)e built later with other funds. The need became 
so urgent that a proposition was submitted on June 4, 1904, to the peo- 
ple to issu(^ bonds to the amount of $20,000 for the erection of a modern 
jail. This was defeated by a vote of 805 for and 708 against, the two- 
thirds majority vote l^eing lacking considerably. The same proposition 
was submitted again at the regular election in November of that year, 
but it failed again, the vote being 1187 for and 1147 against. 

Though two defeats followed one another in so short a time, the 
matter was not dropped. The amount proposed was cut down from 
.$20,000 to $17,000 and submitted again. It took three special elec- 
tions, however, before this proposition was legally carried. These elec- 
tions were all held in 1905. How there came to l)e so many special 
elections is a matter of some interest. 

Th(> first was held on March 28, and resulted in a defeat of the 
proposition, tlie vote standing 1212 for and 816 against. There were 



County Organization. 65 

several votes lacking to make the two-thirds majority reciuired by law 
in voting on bonds. 

The second election was held May 31. The proposition carried 
this time by a vote of 1184 and 573 against. There were 12 more votes 
than the necessary two-thirds majority. The county court proceeded 
to let the contract and issue the bonds. The contract was let to the Pauly 
Jail Company of St. Louis and to A. L. Holmes of Kirksville, for the 
joint sum of $16,990, and the bonds were sold to Little & Hays for $17,510. 
But close investigation later showed that an error had been made in 
the notice of the election which invalidated the bonds. The notice 
read that the bonds were to run two years, while the county court rec- 
ords showed that they were to run three years. This error was not 
detected until one of the contractors had the foundation laid and much 
material on the ground. The county court therefore ordered a new 
election to be held on December 1. The vote at this time was 1235 
for and 188 against. The bonds were made to run two years and were 
sold to the Mississippi Valley Trust Company for $17,367. The con- 
tracts with the Pauly Jail Company and with A. L. Holmes were re- 
newed at the original figures, and the work proceeded until the Iniild- 
ing was completed in July, 1906. 

Almshouse — The county maintains a county farm of 160 acres in 
the southeast part of Benton township for the keeping of the paupers 
of the county. The inmates are housed in an old farm house which is 
also used as a residence by the Superintendent. The county's insane 
patients are sent to the state asylums at St. Joseph and Fulton. 

Section III — Bonded Indebtedness. 

The county has contracted bonded indebtedness at different times 
for railroads, for the State Normal School located at Kirksville, for the 
court house built in 1897-98, and for the jail built in 1905-6. Some 
mention has already been made of some of these bonds, and mention 
will be made of the others in another place. But it is in order that a 
brief account of the entire matter should be given here. 

As far as is known the first bonds ever voted by the peojilc of the 
county were in favor of the North Missouri Railroad, now the Wabash. 
This road was begun in the early fifties and was in operation from St. 
Louis to Macon by the time the war came on. The Adair County Court 
made arrangements in 1856 to subscribe $50,000 to the capital stock of 
this railroad, and in 1857 the proposition to subscribe another $50,000 
was submitted to the people. The records that have come down to 
us do not show whether the last proposition carried, nor how the first 



66 History of Adair County. 

$50,000 was to be raised. But it seems that in one way or another the 
county became ol)Ugate(l prior to 1860 to the North Missouri Railroad 
for $100,000 on condition that the road be built to the Iowa line. The 
line got only as far as Macon before the war and was not extended to 
Kirksville and the Iowa line until 1868. The county did not consider 
itself bound, therefore, to execute its obligations, though it is said 
b}^ persons who ought to know that a few thousand dollars were paid 
to the railroad. Just how much could not be ascertained. Since the 
war the county has several times issued bonds for different purposes, 
but at no time has it felt inclined to repudiate any of its debts. 

In 1870 the county voted to issue twent}' year bonds to the max- 
imum extent of $100,000 for the purpose of securing the location of the 
First District State Normal School in Kirksville. In making its bid 
to the Board of Regents for this school, the county offered to issue bonds 
sufficient to realize $50,000 for a building, and later offered to issue in 
addition other bonds to the amount of $16,000 for the purchase of school 
apparatus for the new school building and for the purchase of the old 
school l)uilding. The county was able to raise the $50,000 in cash 
promised for the new building, only by issuing bonds to the amount of 
$62,000, so bad was the credit of the county at that time. This amount 
tog(>thcr with the $16,000 additional bonds, made the total amount of 
l)onded indebtedness for the Normal School $78,000. 

In 1872 the county issued twenty year })onds to the amount of 
$75,000 in behalf of the Q. M. & P. R. R., now the "0. K.", in fulfill- 
ment of a contract made liy the county court under th(^ authority vested 
in it by the people of the county at a special election held on March 29, 
1870. At that election the people adopted a ]3roposition to subscril)e 
$100,000 to the capital stock of this railroad, to be paid in the following 
installments: $25,000 when tiie grading should \)0 completed from the 
eastern line of the county to Kii'ksville; $50, ()()() wiien tlu> iron should 
he laid from West Quincy to Kirksville; and $25,000 when the grading 
should be completed from Kirksville to the western border of the county. 
This railroad was com])letcd to Kirksville by 1872 and the county pro- 
ceeded to fulfill its part of the contract by issuing $75,000 in l)onds. 
The railroad nevei- got the remaining $25,000 because it did not finish 
the road to the w(>stern J)ord('r of the county until several years later, 
and the delay caus(>d the railroad to forfeit its rights to the rest of the 
$100,000 promised l)y the county. 

In this connection it should be mentioned that Benton Township 
v^oted in 1871 to issue $40,000 to the same railroad, and likewise the 
eastern half of Salt River Township voted to issue $6,000 for the same. 



County Organization. 



67 



In 1897 the people voted to issiu^ five year hoiuls to the aniouiit of 
$50,000 for the building of a court house and jail. For reasons as have 
already l)een shown, the county court found it feasible to use all the 
money realized from these bonds in a court house and hence did not 
build a jail. In 1905 the county voted $17,000 in two year bonds 
to l)uild a jail and residence for the sheriff. 

As far as can be ascertained this constitutes the list of bonded in- 
delitedness of the county, except perhaps here and there when somc^ 
bridge bonds were issued and sold. 

The following table recapitulates what has been presented in the 
precechng paragraphs on the subject of bonded indebtedness of the 
county ; 



DATE 


OBJECT 


AMT. OP BONDS 


AMT. KEALIZED 
PROM SALE 


1 TIME 


INTEREST 


1871 


Normal Sch. 


178,000 


$66,000* 


20 yrs. 


10% 


1872 


Q. M. & P. 


75,000 


75,000t 


20 " 


10% 


1897 


Court House 


50,000 




5 " 


5% 


1906 


Jail 


17,000 


17,367.20 


i 2 " 


5% 




$220,000 





If the bonded indebtedness of Benton and East Salt River Town- 
ships be added, the above figures would be extended so as to amount to 
$266,000. 

In 1893 there yet remained unpaid $55,000 of the original $75,000 
subscribed by the county to the Railroad, and $10,000 of the original 
$40,000 subscribed by Benton Township. A proposition to refund these 
bonds at a lower rate of interest was submitted in 1893 to the people 
of tlie county and of Benton Township, and it was carried by over- 
whelming votes. In the county the vote was 631 for to 51 against. It 
seems from this that the county had done very little towards meeting 
its obligations, though twenty years had come and gone since the bonds 
were first issued, and that Benton Township had meanwhile cut her 
Iwnds down to onefourth of the total original amount. 

The county has no bonded indebtedness of any kind at the pres- 
ent time. 



* The Normal School got $.50,000 in cash and $16,000 in bonds of the county. 
t These bonds were issued to the Railroad and were not put on the market by 
the county. 



CHAPTER VI. 
COUNTY POLITICS. 

At the time the county was organized, that is in 1841, the Whigs 
had just come into power under Harrison and Tyler in the National 
Government, but this national victory of the Whigs had not affected the 
Democratic party in its control of Missouri. The Whigs were never a 
strong party in this state, though they included in their ranks many 
men of influence and ability. Inasmuch as many of the earliest set- 
tlers in Adair County came from Kentucky or the Missouri River coun- 
ties of this state, it is not at all surprising to find that in its early years 
the county was predominantl}^ Democratic in its politics. Prior to 
1860 a Whig was occasionally elected to some county office, but that was 
generally due to the personal popularity of the particular Whig candi- 
date. The true test of the political faith of a community is its votes 
on the Presidential electors, and an examination of those cast between 
1844 and 1856 inclusive show that there were aljout twice as many 
Democrats in this county during that period as there were Whigs. Since 
1860 the county has been regularly Republican according to the above 
mentioned test, though there have been some county officers elected 
from the ranks of the other parties. 

Notwithstanding the fact that the Democrats were the predominant 
l)arty ]:)rior to 1860 and the Republicans have been since then, county 
politics have gone through several phases which are of considerable 
political interest locally. 

The long continucnl supremacy of the Democrats in the state led 
to factions within theii' party, just as it ha})pens with every party that 
remains long in i)ower. In the early fifties the Benton and Anti-Ben- 
ton factions were active throughout the state. It is not known whether 
Adair ('ounty Democracy was divided on the Benton controversy or 
not, l)ut al)out the time this controversy was coming on there were two 
local factions here called Royalists and Anti-Royalists. The Royalists 
were led by Wm. H. Parcells and Wm. Sheeks, and the Anti-Royalists 
by A. H. Linder and others. The Presidential election of 1856 served 
to i)ut the Whig party the country over out of business, and the Repub- 
lican party which put forth its national ticket for the first time that 
year had not as yet established itself throughout the Union. In this 



County Politics. 69 

(lonioralizod condition of the opposition, the Democratic pai'ty in this 
county found itself with practically a clear field from 1856 to 1860, and 
frequently the only candidates for local offices that were in the race 
were Royalist and Anti-Royalist Democrats. 

With the coming on of the war the political comjilexion of the 
state and county quickly changed. The Republican party rapidly 
organized itself and got control of the affairs of the nation in 1860 and 
of the state of Missouri in 1862. But in a very short time the Repub- 
lican party in Mssouri split into two wings, the Radicals and the Lib- 
erals. The issue which started the cleavage was the question of eman- 
cipating the slaves in the state. The emancipation proclamation of 
Lincoln issued on January 1, 1863, did not apply to Missouri. Inas- 
much as there were many people in the state who favored the emanci- 
pation of the slaves in Missouri, Governor Gamble called a state conven- 
tion on June 15 of that year. This convention proceeded to pass an 
ordinance which provided for the gradual emancipation of the slaves 
of the state. This measure proved unsatisfactory to that element in 
the Republican party wdiich wanted immediate emancipation. This 
element known as the Radicals proceeded to make an attempt to se- 
cure the immediate emancipation of the slaves of the state by way of 
urging President Lincoln to extend his proclamation so as to include 
Missouri. Failing in this they set to work to carry the elections in the 
state in 1864, and they succeeded. After coming into power in that 
year, they provided for another state convention which met in Jan- 
uary, 1865 and which passed at once an ordinance for the immediate 
emancipation of the slaves in Missouri. In addition to this, this con- 
vention felt itself authorized to draft a new state constitution to take 
the place of the old one adopted in 1820. There was therefore drawn 
up and sul)mitted to the people what was popularly known as the "Drake 
Constitution," because of the prominent part which Senator Drake took 
in its passage. Because of the test oath which resulted in the disfran- 
chisement of those who had taken any part in the civil war against the 
government or who had shown any sympathy for the southern cause, 
a great storm of protest arose against this constitution after it went 
into effect. The split which had started between the Radicals and 
Liberals over the immediate emancipation issue widened over the dis- 
franchisement issue. 

The breach between the two elements had not come to a separa- 
tion of forces. Party organization was yet maintained with the Rad- 
icals in control. Some of the Radical leaders recognized that a mistake 
had been made in the rigor of the "Drake Constitution," and Governor 



70 History of Adatr County. 

Fletcher recommended to the legislature that the objectionable section 
in this constitution should l)e repealed, but before the legislatiu'e could 
act the Supreme Court of the United States decided in January, 1867 
that this section was unconstitutional. The Radicals who were in con- 
trol of the party now sought to maintain themselves in power and pro- 
ceeded to pass through the legislature in January, 1868 a registry law 
which created a Board of Registration for each county which had full 
powers in revising the voting lists. Their schemes brought them suc- 
cess in the election of 1868, but by the time the next biennial election 
came the tide had turned against the Radicals. 

This change came about this way. The legislature had in 1869 
passed certain amendments to the state constitution eliminating many 
of the objectionable features in the sections on suffrage and ordered 
them submitted to the people at the regular election in 1870. When 
the Republican state convention met it was found to be controlled 
by the Radicals who nominated McClurg for re-election as Governor 
and refused to endorse the amendments to the state constitution. This 
led to a schism in the party, the first one since the issue had been raised 
between the Radicals and Liberals. The Liberal delegates in the con- 
vention withdrew from it and nominated B. Gratz Brown for Governor 
and endorsed the constitutional amendments. The result was there 
were two tickets in the field, the Radical and Liberal Republican tick- 
ets. Through the assistance given the Liberals by the few Democrats 
that were allowed to vote, the Liberal ticket was carried as also were 
the constitutional amendments. The adoption of these amendments 
opened up the polls again to all Democrats in the state, so that in 1872 
they came back into power and retained it for nearly forty years. 

The course of political events in the state just related involved all 
the counties of the state that were Republican. In Adair County the 
first traces of a Republican party are to be found in the year 1860. 
John Gill, Isham B. Dodson, D. S. Hooper, A. H. Linder, John Richey 
and Dr. R. H. Browne were among the organizers and early leaders of 
that party. In the Presidential election of that year, 185 votes were 
cast in the county for Lincoln, 293 for Bell, 339 for Breckenridge, and 
616 for Douglas. This vote shows what strength the Republicans had 
gained by the time the first political contest came on after their organiza- 
tion. By 1862 the county went Repubhcan; in that year the ma- 
jority of votes cast for Congressman, State Senator, and Representa- 
tive were Repul)lican. In 1863 the majority of votes cast for Circuit 
Judge, Probate Judge and Supreme Judges were Republican, as was 
also the majority of votes in the special election of January, 1864 on 



FAjeURjXXSFL AJfT. 



Wi.IO r> «i -V TA-^CXOS 



demoiiratk; meeting. 




ill. WaO kBK OPPOSED TO 



NEGRO lUALlTy! 



Tioixrs, 



and in favor of the payment of the 

lATIONAL DEBT 

EQUAL TilATlON. ABROGATION OF THE ■TEST OATH AND SECHRINQ TO ALL THE 
States of the Onion their Rights undet the Federal Constitution. 

Ars eordiall; intited to bs prtsenl and takr p«rt in lh» dcliboralioDi *tt 

u^ mam, 

at Sherwood's hail, February 22. '68. | 



Facsimile of Political Poster in the Campaign of 1868. 
The original belongs to F. M. Harrington, Kirksville. 



72 History of Adair County. 

Circuit Judge. The constitution of 1865 was carried in the county by 
an overwhehiiing vote of 569 to 25, but the vote cast was far from a 
full one. This is seen in the fact that in the year previous nearly 900 
votes had been cast on all sides, while a little less than 600 were cast 
in 1865. 

As far as the evidence available shows, the struggle between the 
Radical and Liberal Republicans did not arise in this county until after 
the constitution of 1865 was adopted and the disfranchising laws were 
enforced. There were never many slaves in this county, the census of 
1860 giving only 86, so that the interest in the question of gradual or 
immediate emancipation does not appear to have stirred up much feel- 
ing. But the enforcement of the measures of disfranchisement must 
have aroused a good deal of feeling. The campaigns during the years 
1868-72 were quite lively, as they were everywhere in the state. So 
overwhelmed was the Democratic party in the county it did not put out 
a county ticket in any of these campaigns. Those Democrats that 
were allowed to vote at all generally voted with the Liberal Republi- 
cans and some of the Democratic demonstrations during the campaigns 
were in behalf of the Liberal Republicans. 

The campaign of 1868 opened quite early. On Washington's 
birthday the Democrats held a county mass meeting in Kirksville to 
which were invited all who were "opposed to Negro Equality and Con- 
gressional Usurpations," and who were "in favor of the payment of the 
National Debt in Greenbacks, equal taxation, abrogation of the test 
oath, and securing to all the states of the Union their rights under the 
Federal Constitution." In March the Radicals held a county mass 
meeting in Kirksville which adopted resolutions declaring that there 
were only two parties in the county, loyal and disloyal, and endorsing 
Congress for confiding the reconstruction of the South to the loyal 
]iart>'. These resolutions also ajiproved the impeachment of Presi- 
dent Johnson. The l)attle of Kirksville was celebrated on its sixth an- 
niversary, August 6, and seems to have been made a decided political 
demonstration for the Radicals. As the campaign drew to a close a 
great debate was held in Kirksville between the Democrats and the 
Radicals. It lasted a whole day, J. F. Benjamin (Radical) and J. F. 
Williams (Democrat) speaking in the morning, and Senator C. D. Drake 
(Radical) and John S. Phelps (Democrat) in the afternoon. Senator 
Drake was the man after whom the so called "Drake Constitution" 
was named, and John' S. Phc^lps was the Democratic candidate for 
governor. 

The campaign in the count}- in 1870 was made noteworthy by the 



County Politics. 73 

speeches made by Senator Carl Schiirz and B. (}ratz Brown, the l.ilx'ral 
Repubhcan eantUdate for Covernor, in behalf of the cause of the Lil)- 
eral party. It will be recalled that the Liberals and Radicals had sej)- 
arate state tickets in the field which included candidates for Congress, 
the State Senate and the House of Representatives as well as candidates 
for Governorship and other offices in the state. But in the county the 
Radicals were in control of the county organization, and as far as can 
be learned there were no Liberal candidates for any of the county offices 
except possibly the sheriff. The contest in the county was waged 
over the state officers, Congressmen, State Senator and Representa- 
tive. The result was a great victory for the Radicals, as a majority 
vote for the Radical candidates for Governor and other state officers 
ranged from 125 to 175, but the result as regards the State Senate 
and House of Representatives was cUvided. Dr. R. H. Browne, the 
Liberal candidate for the State Senate carried the county by 15, and 
D. S. Hooper, the Radical candidate for the House was elected by a ma- 
jority of 61. No record has been found regarding the vote in the county 
on the constitutional amendments. 

The two Republican papers of the county were divided on the is- 
sues of the election. The Tribune, edited by F. S. Hoag, was Liberal, 
while the Journal, edited by Pickler and Gill, was Radical. 

The constitutional amendments that had been carried in 1870 
had their effect upon the registration for 1872. Li 1870 only 1650 had 
been able to register in this county, while in 1872 there were 2574. Some 
hope was placed in this enlarged registration removing the Radical 
majority of 1870, but this was not realized. 

The Democrats got into the contest for the county offices in 1872 
for the first time since the war began. They did so under the cover 
of Independent County Ticket which was headed by Win. H. Par- 
cells for Representative. On this ticket were placed a few Liberal 
Republicans, but the majority of the candidates were Democrats. 

The Republican ticket was filled up with Radicals, and after a bit- 
ter campaign the Radicals were successful in the county, carrying every- 
tliing by majorities ranging from 185 to 537. 

It will be remembered that in this year (1872) the Democrats 
regained the control of the state. This marked the end of the contest 
between the Racfical and Liberal Republicans. All of their forces were 
needed to oppose the triumphant Democracy. Because of the special 
strength of the Radical Republicans prior to 1872, all Republicans 
were known for a long time after that year as "Rads" or "Racficals." 

By 1874 a reaction had set in against partisan politics in the state, 



74 History of Adair County. 

which took shape in the formation of a People's Party made up largely 
of men from l)oth the Democratic and Republican parties. This party 
held a state convention in September and nominated a state ticket 
heading it with Major Wm. Gentry of Pettis County for Governor. 
In this convention Dr. A. H. John of Adair County was a very influen- 
tial figure. The platform which this party issued condemned the prac- 
tice of selecting state and local officers upon national issues and demanded 
efficiency and honesty on the part of state and local officials. This 
movement was so strong in the state that the Republican party in its 
state convention a few weeks later decided not to get out a separate 
ticket but to support the People's Ticket instead. This action had 
been foreseen by the Republicans throughout the state, and action had 
been taken by the Republican County Convention of Adair County 
condemning this procedure and demanding that the state convention 
should put out a Republican ticket. The Democratic state convention 
had met a week earlier than the People's Party state convention and had 
put out a state ticket. 

Prior to any of these state conventions the People's Party in Adair 
County held a county convention and nominated candidates for county 
offices, some of whom were Democrats and some Republicans. So 
strong was the sentiment in the county in favor of this movement that 
both the Democratic and Republican county organizations decided 
not to put into the field separate tickets. After that decision was 
reached a number of men announced themselves as independent candi- 
dates for some of the county offices, so that a lively contest ensued for 
these offices. 

The election came on with two state tickets in the field, the Dem- 
ocratic and the People's, and with a People's county ticket and a few 
independent candidates for county offices in the field. The result was 
the election of the Democratic ticket throughout the state, and the elec- 
tion of some of the People's county ticket in this county and a few of 
the independent candidates. Among those elected on the People's 
ticket in the county were Jas. Marquess, Representative; B. F. Heiny, 
County Clerk; H. W. Snyder, Treasurer; James Ellison, Prosecuting 
Attorney. Those elected on the Independent ticket were D. C. Pierce, 
Circuit Clerk, and J. D. Miller, Sheriff. In the outcome the Republi- 
cans fared batter than the Democrats, as all but Pierce and Ellison 
were Republicans. 

Wh(>n the campaign first })egan, the North Missouri Register, the 
only Democratic paper in the county, favored the state ticket of the 
People's Party. Later in the campaign the editor. Major Gillespie, 



County Politics. 75 

forsook tliat party and siii)|)ort(Ml tlio Domocratic state ticket. He was 
chariiictl by his political (Mieniics as having- changed because of his dis- 
appointment in not getting the nomination for a certain office, but he 
claimed he had changed because he thought the People's party was being 
used by the Repulilicans as a tool. 

In 1875 the present constitution of the state was carricnl in the county 
by a very close vote, 475 for and 440 against. In Benton township 
the vote was 200 for and 217 against. The contest in the county was 
a bitter one and was kept up for some time after the election was over. 
Much of the opposition came from the "Radicals." 

The campaign of 1876 was marked with a decided regularity of 
party organizations and candidates throughout the county and the state. 
The Presidential campaign made this regularity almost a necessity. 
The Democrats were too weak, however, to carry the day in the county 
though they elected the state ticket in Missouri and claimed they elected 
Tilclen as President. The strength of the Republican party in the coun- 
ty is seen in their majorities which ran from 387 to 448. 

The campaign of 1878 is noteworthy because of the combination 
made between the Democrats and the Greenbackers, and the victories 
they won in the contest for county offices with the Republicans. The 
Greenback party was organized as a national party in 1874 and was in 
the field with a Presidential ticket in 1876. It got its name from the 
main principle it advocated — the payment of the national debt in whole 
or in part in greenbacks — a matter which had been agitated ever since 
the close of the war. The party was made up generally everywhere 
of the dissatisfied element of both parties, and in Missouri it may be 
considered the successor of the People's party that held forth in 1874. 
Inasmuch as it was the third party it usually made alliances in the dif- 
ferent counties with the weaker of the two parties. In Adair County 
that meant an alliance with the Democratic party. It can hardly be 
said to have been in the field in the county prior to this campaign, as 
Peter Cooper, the Presidential candidate in 1876 got only 21 votes in 
the entire county. 

The Greenback County Convention put out a ticket made up of 
men who had been or were yet either Democrats or Republicans. Of 
the twelve men named for the various offices, four were Democrats, six 
Republicans, and one Independent. Care was taken so that the can- 
didates came from different parts of the county and not from any one 
part. 

A Greenback county clul) had been organized in March, 1878, with 
A. H. Linder as president, and W. Halladay as secretary. The exec- 



76 History of Adair County. 

utive committee included a good many men who had long maintained 
active connection with the Republican and Democratic parties. Among 
them were A. H. Linder, W. Halladay, Robert Moore, Jas. Berry, A. 
M. Gregg, M. G. Clem, O. B. Milliken, Thomas Simmons, E. Minter, 
Polk Morelock, Jacob Halladay, O. H. Beeman, and others. 

The Republican party got out its regular ticket, and the race for 
Circuit Clerk was made a three cornered affair by D. C. Pierce an- 
nouncing himself as an Independent candidate for re-election. 

The election resulted in the divided victory, each party electing 
some of its candidates. The Republicans elected Representative, 
County Clerk, Circuit Clerk, Sheriff and Collector, with majorities rang- 
ing from 6 to 1122 only. The Greenbackers elected County Court 
Judges, Probate Judge, Treasurer, Assessor and Coroner. P. F. Green- 
wood, Independent candidate for Prosecuting Attorney, won his race. 

The Grange movement was undoubtedly responsible for much of 
the unevenness of politics during the seventies. This movement began 
to get started in 1873 and professed to be solely for the purpose of pro- 
tecting the farmers against extortion on the part of manufacturers of 
farming implements, and of merchants, wholesale and retail. It was 
against the constitution of this order for it to enter the field of politics 
and hence no ticket was ever put out as a Grange ticket, but the local 
lodges exercised an important influence in politics by passing resolutions 
which promised support to those belonging to the Grange and con- 
demning those who did not. There is no doubt but that the victories 
of the People's party ticket in 1874 and of the Greenback-Democratic 
party ticket in 1878 were partly due to the fermentation which the 
Grange had caused in its discussions and agitations. 

The campaign of 1880 was carried on in the county with three sep- 
arate tickets in the field, Republican, Greenback and Democratic. The 
alliance between the Greenbackers and Democrats in 1878 could not 
be sustained when a national canvass was on. There was considerable 
feeling between the Democrats and Greenbackers because of the split 
that had taken place, and this made the Republican victory all the more 
decided in the county. 

The campaign was noted for torchlight processions, l)ig rallies, 
flag poles and campaign songs set to familiar tunes. These features 
continued to increase in use for several years, the noisiest campaign 
being that of 1884 in all probability. 

Th(> campaign of 1882 was marked with the same party regularity 
of 1880. Three tickets were in the field as then. The county election 
resulted in a Republican victory for all the offices except the county 



County Politics. 77 

judge for the first district. Geo. Novinger, Democrat, was elected to 
that offi('(\ The R(>pul)hcan majority was considerably rcnluccMl, how- 
eyer in the county, which was in keeping with the general trend through- 
out the nation, and as kind of prophecy of the sweeping Democratic 
victory of the following campaign. 

In 1884 the Democrats and Greenbackers arranged a fusion ticket 
once more for the campaign in this county. The plan had been orig- 
inally to have separate tickets, but inasmuch as several of the men nom- 
inated by the Democratic county convention refused to make the race, 
it was felt best by the leaders of the party to attempt fusion with the 
Greenbackers, who were clearly affiiliated with the Knights of Labor. 
After some effort a complete ticket was made out for all the county of- 
fices, and this went under the name of People's Ticket. 

The Republicans held a primary to decide on their candidates, 
and this seems to ])e the first primary that had been in the county since 
1870. The usual method had been to select candidates by county 
conventions, but this was objected to so much because of the deals that 
could be made, so that a primary was held to decide who should be nom- 
inees. As far as is known the Republicans have almost uniformly selected 
their nominees in this county by the primaries. They have at times been 
rather warm, as they have been frequently considered the real elections. 

The outcome in 1884 was a great Repubhcan victory in the county, 
every office being filled Ijy Republicans. The majority cast for Blaine was 
600, and for the county officers from 4 to 446. G. W. Novinger, Demo- 
cratic-Greenback candidate for re-election for county judge, came with- 
in 4 of getting the office. 

The course of this campaign has already been noted. The jul)ilee 
h(>ld by the Democrats of the county over the great national Democratic 
victory was about as noisy as any of the rallies which had been held 
during the campaign. Some feeling was aroused because of the demon- 
stration, but good sense finally prevailed and no bad results followed. 

By 1886 the Greenback party was out of the field, in this county 
at least, and the campaign was waged between the Repuljlicans and 
Democrats. The result was the usual Repuljlican victory, with major- 
ities ranging from 29 to 487. 

The campaign of 1888 saw the advent of the Prohibitionists in the 
field of county politics. The party had a state organization and put 
out a state ticket. It was not strong enough to put out an entire coun- 
ty ticket, but it carried on an agitation in favor of temperance that was 
([uite out of proportion to the vote cast for the few candidates that made 
the race in the county. The principal contest was between the Dem- 



78 History of Adair County. 

ocrats and Republicans with the usual outcome, the Republicans being 
victorious with their usual majorities. 

The campaign of 1890 will be long remembered as one of the most 
interesting local campaigns in the history of the county. It came in 
another "off year" and resulted in the defeat of the entire Republican 
county ticket, save one candidate. The movement which led to this 
defeat seems to have gotten started from the dissatisfaction which arose 
over the results of the Republican primary which was held on June 10 
for the county offices. When the returns came in it was found that a 
large majority of the candidates that had been nominated were from 
Kirksville and Benton township. This was particularly displeasing to 
the farmers of the Republican party, and since the Farmers' Alliance, 
a kind of recrudescence of the Grange, was at that time completing its 
organization, their displeasure proved fatal to the ticket. The result 
was that a mass meeting of the farmers was called in Kirksville to con- 
sider the situation. This mass meeting decided that there should be a 
county convention composed of five delegates from each township in 
the county, which should decide on what should be done about getting 
out another ticket. Such a movement as this was not allowed to go on 
without being taken advantage of by the Democrats. But just when 
they began to take advantage of this situation is not clear. In other 
words, it is not clear whether they were the instigators of the mass meet- 
ing which met as a result of the Republican primary, or whether they 
fell in with the movement after it got started. At any rate, the situa- 
tion was not allowed to go by without advantage being taken of the 
opportunity. 

The County Convention met as it had been arranged for, and a 
Farnuns' Ticket was put up. This ticket was dubbed at once by the 
editor of th(^ Journal, the leading Kepu])lican paper of the county, as 
the "Dick and Dave Ticket." The name was coined from the circum- 
stance that David A. Ely was chairman of the convention and Rich- 
ard M. Brashear was chairman of the committee that was appointed by 
the chair to bring in the nominees for the county offices. The ticket 
was made up of Republicans and Democrats who would be sure to bring 
it considerable strength. 

The camj^aign was indeed a lively one. The Farmers' Alliance held 
meetings in the different school houses of the county and invited the 
candidates on the Farmers' Ticket to come and speak to them. Gen. 
.James B. Weaver of Iowa, made a speech in Kii'ks\-ill(' in S(>ptember 
(lining the cam])aign. 

All the Farmers' 'i'icket except the candidate for County Judge, 



County Politics. 79 

District No. 1, was elected, and the one Republican who was elected to 
this office was Adam Shoop, who was a member of the Farmers' Union. 

In the campaign of 1892 the Populist party, which had taken def- 
inite form by that time, put up a county ticket composed very largely 
of men who had been successful on the Farmers' Ticket in 1890. The 
Democratic county organization endorsed this ticket, but many Demo- 
crats fought it during the campaign. The result was a complete defeat 
for the Populist ticket and the return of the Republicans to office in 
the county. 

Nationally the Democrats had gained a sweeping victory, gain- 
ing the Presidency and both houses of Congress, something they had not 
been able to do since the war. The jubilee among the Democrats the 
country over was great and Adair County Democracy ratified the vic- 
tory in a manner which expressed their pleasure in the matter. 

This election is marked by the first use of the Australian ballot 
system in this state. Prior to that time voting had been done by 
ballots privately printed and distributed among poll workers. This 
system was open to a great deal of abuse and tickets could be altered 
or fixed so that unwary persons would vote the wrong ticket in part 
or in whole. Not only that but a poll worker could accompany the 
voter to the polls and see that the ballot that had been prepared was 
cast. The possibilities for the buying of votes were unlimited. The 
Australian system has eliminated many of the evils of the old system. 

In 1894 only a partial alliance was maintained between the Dem- 
ocrats and the Populists in the county. There were really two sep- 
arate tickets with identical candidates for about four of the county offices. 
The Republicans again won the day with pluralities ranging from 184 
to 1188. Had there been a union of the entire strength of the two par- 
ties that had been in harmonious alliance two years before, the result 
would have been different. 

The Free Silver campaign of 1896 was, according to the testimony 
of the older citizens, the bitterest campaign since the war. It was 
begun quite early. On February 22 the Republicans celebrated the 
fiftieth anniversary of the birth of their party. Speeches were made 
by S. M. Pickler, John R. Musick, and A. N. Seaber. The fusion of 
the Democrats and Populists on the national ticket and the whirlwind 
campaign that was carried on by Bryan made it appear as though they 
would carry the day. Locally the Democrats and Populists fused on 
county candidates. The Republicans got out a campaign paper en- 
titled "American Progress," which advocated "sound money." About 
twenty-five men guaranteed the expense of the publication of the sev- 



80 History of Adair County. 

enteen issues, but the advertisements ])ai(l for it largely. B. F. Heiny 
did most of the editorial work on it. 

One incident that occurred at Kirksville had a good deal of effect 
in the state campaign. In the course of his speech at Kirksville, R. E. 
Lewis, Republican candidate for Governor, made some remarks about 
the custom of Judge Bryan, the father of the Presidential candidate, 
in opening his court with prayer. Democrats said that Lewis spoke of 
this in such a way as to ridicule the Judge and his custom, but this was 
denied by the Republicans. However, the story got wide circulation 
and served to add to the bitterness of feeling on all sides. 

The outcome locally was the election of all the Republican candi- 
dates for county offices except the Treasurer and County Judge of the 
Second District, which were captured by the fusionists or Popo-Demo- 
crats, as they were called. 

In 1898 there were three separate tickets, Democratic, Repul)lican, 
and People's Party tickets. The Republicans won a complete victory 
in the county with pluralities ranging from 33 to 687. The Populist 
vote ran about 300. 

In 1900 the People's party split, one section fusing with the Dem- 
ocrats, the other section running a ticket of its own under the name of 
the Progressive People's Party. The Republicans won as usual. 

In 1902 the three tickets were Republican, Democratic, and Allied 
Party. Two Democrats were elected, R. M. Miller as Recorder, and 
Jos. Crow as Treasurer. Cooley (Republican) defeated Greenwood 
(Democrat) for Prosecuting Attorney by 20 votes only. 

The Folk campaign of 1904 will go down in history as one of the 
most interesting in the annals of the state. The success of Jos. W. 
Folk as Circuit Attorney of St. Louis in prosecuting boodlers and bribers 
in that city, and the unearthing of bribery in the state legislature aroused 
the conscience of i\\v people to such an extent that, contrary to the wishes 
of the party organization of the Democratic party. Folk was nominated 
for Governor. The control of the state convention was secured through 
primaries or mass conventions in the various precincts of the counties. 
In these primaries or mass conventions delegates were elected to the 
county conventions, and in the county conventions delegates to the 
state convention were elected. Through the selection of Folk men to 
the county conventions delegates to the state convention were secured 
who supi)orte(l him. In Adair County mass conventions were held, 
and the county convention that met in June was dominated by Folk 
men. ^^y that time the Folk movement had grown so in the state that 
his nomination was already conceded. The outcome of the campaign 



County Politics. 81 

in the state that fall was the election of Folk, but the defeat of all the 
other Democratic candidates for state offices and the defeat of the Dem- 
ocratic electors for the President. 

In Adair County there were that year the usual three tickets in 
tlie field, the Republican, Democratic and People's Party tickets. The 
result Avas the usual Republican victory. While Folk did not carry the 
county he ran way ahead of his ticket. 

In 1906 the People's Party disappeared from the field. In its place 
appeared the Socialist Party. That year it had candidates for the legislature 
and for township offices in Nineveh township. This party polled 110 votes 
for Representative, most of them coming from Nineveh township, as 
might be expected from the large industrial population at Connels- 
ville and Novinger. In the contest the Republicans won all the county 
offices. 

In 1908 there were four tickets in the local field. Democratic, Re- 
publican, Socialist and Prohiliition. In this election, it will be recalled,. 
Taft defeated Bryan in ^Missouri by a small plurality, and Hadley was 
elected Governor, but the Democratic candidates for the other state 
offices were elected. In this coimty the only Democratic county officer 
elected was J. E. Rieger for Prosecuting Attorney. 

In 1910 there were four tickets as in 1908, and this time three 
Democrats were elected to county offices: G. F. Lowrance, Recorder; 
A. P. Hopson, County Judge at large; and Jacob Shoop, County Judge 
for District No. 1 . This makes the County Court Democratic for the first 
time since 1877. In that year the Governor appointed three county j udges 
to serve under the provisions of the new law that had been passed re- 
organizing the county courts. With that exception the county court 
has not been Democratic since the war, and this has been the first time 
the court has been Democratic by election since the war. 

This chapter on county politics leads to the following conclusions: 

1. That prior to the war the Democratic party was dominant in 
the county, and since the war the Republican party, according to the 
vote on the Presidency. 

2. That fusions were frequently made between the Democrats 
and some third party during the "off years," and sometimes with notable 
success, as in 1878 and 1890. 

3. That in other years when Democrats were occasionally elected, 
their election was largely due to their personal popularity. 



CHAPTER VII. 
CIVIL WAR. 

Section I. — Slavery in Adair County. 

Slavery was never an extensive institution in this county. The 
census reports for 1850 gives the number of slaves as 51 in that year, 
and that for 1860 as 86. The few that were in the county were owned 
l\v men who had come from slave-holding states and had settled down 
as farmers here. It is impossible to say who l)rought in the first slaves. 
Tradition says that in 1835 John Cain brought into the county Dick 
Hill, and that in 1837 Jesse Jones brought four slaves. "Uncle Dick" 
Hill came to l^e one of the characters of the county, and won the respect 
of all who knew him by his sobriety and industry. He died in 1895 
at the age of nearly eighty, and was buried according to his request on 
the farm of Geo. Cain, whose father had brought him a slave to this county. 

As far as is known the lot of the slaves was a comparatively easy one 
here. They were as a rule, well treated as to food, clothing, and amount 
of work required. Married slaves were not parted except in cases of 
absolute necessity'. Several slaves were able to buy their freedom; 
some were assisted to their freedom by way of the imderground railway. 

The following letter written from Kirksville relates an incident 
that is of interest because of its local bearing. 

Kirksville, Mo., Dec. 28, 1858. 
•Messrs. Editors of the State Journal (Wis.) : — 

A shocking affair occurred in this place yesterday which may be of 
interest to some of your readers; the ])articulars of which are as fol- 
lows: A Dr. Patton, residing some few miles north of this town, brought 
a negro man to this place in order to sell him; Ijut finding no buyers, 
resolved to take him south in spite of the entreaties of himself and his 
family to be left with his family. A cluiin was made fast to one foot 
and bound preparatory to taking him, when he seized an axe, laid his 
liand upon a block and severed thrvv of his fingers. I saw the poor 
mortal a few minutes after, and a more heart-rending scene I nevcM* saw. 
Three of his fingers were cut close to his hand, and his little finger was 
cut close to the l)one. He said he would rather die than leave his wife 
and children. He knew that the cuttiuR- off of his hand would render 



CiN'ii. Wau. 83 

liiin unfit for tlic inurkct aiul therefore he would l»e aUowed to remaui 
with his family. Samuel Wood. 

There were many witnesses to this scene in Kirksville. The slave's 
name was Lee; he w^as afterwards sold to a Kirksville merchant named 
, Chinn, who took him to Kentucky. 

Thouj2;h slavery was not an extensive institution in the county, 
the courts meted out severe penalties for attempts to interfere with it. 
In January, 1860, Albert Wilkerson was indicted for attempting to en- 
tice or decoy certain slaves. He was sentenced to four and a half years 
in the penitentiary for this offense. 

In civil suits decisions were sometimes rendered in which slaves were 
involved. For example, a suit was brought in this county by the Bank of St. 
Louis against W. L. Patton, J. D. Callison, and G. E. Bushnell, and 
judgment was rendered for the plaintiff for $4,076. The following prop- 
erty was tlien attached: Certain specified tracts of land, forty head of 
hogs, thirty l^arrels of corn, two high post bedsteads, one stand, one 
crib, fifteen chairs, one pair hand irons, twelve stacks of timothy hay; 
one negro woman Amy, slave for life, 46 years old; one negro girl six 
years old named Ann; seventy-five acres of growing corn. The nam- 
ing of the slaves with the other forms of property' is an excellent illus- 
tration of the way slaves were regarded as chattels. 

Section II. — Military Organizations. 

This county saw some rather exciting times during the war. In 
addition to the battle of Kirksville on August 6, 1862, which stands 
as the most prominent event of this period, there were events which were 
of considerable local interest and are rememl^ered well to this day by 
many of the survivors. 

As the issue became drawn lietween the North and the South, 
this county lined iij) with the North. There was a good deal of sympathy 
in this county for the Southern cause; many of the early settlers had 
come from Kentucky or were of southern descent; but many of these 
same people were not willing to subscribe to the doctrine of secession, 
so that the only thing they could do when the southern states began 
to secede was to oppose their action. 

The first expression of the county's attitude on the great issue 
between the North and the South was in all probaliility at the elec- 
tion of the delegates to the State Convention which had been called 
Ijy Governor Jackson to consider the question of secession. This elec- 
tion was held on February 18, 1861. Two tickets were in the field in 



84 History of Adair County. 

the district of which this county was a part ; one was an unconditional 
Union ticket; the other, a conditional Union ticket. The candidates 
on the first ticket were Frederick Rowland of Marion County, Joseph 
M. Irwin of Shelby County, and John D. Foster of Adair County. These 
candidates carried not only this county by a decided majority, but also 
the entire district. 

During one of the sessions of the convention Mr. Foster had occa- 
sion to make a speech in which he declared that he had let his constit- 
uents know just what his views were during the canvass prior to the 
election; he therefore felt that he had been directly commissioned by 
his constituents to do all he could against Missouri's seceding from the 
Union. 

During the spring of 1861 there were several war mass meetings 
held in Kirksville. Those held by the southerners were addressed by 
W. T. Davis and Tom Brannon. It has been said that these two men 
were the leaders of those in the county who favored secession. On 
May 27 a large Union meeting was held in Kirksville. A prominent 
feature of this affair was a long procession in which marched an aged man 
named Foster, the father of the delegate to the State Convention and 
a heavy slave owner. The sight of him in the procession carrying 
the American flag creat(Hl great enthusiasm. 

On July 4, 18(31, occurred an important event which might have 
stirred the excited community more than it did. During the day a 
"Union man named Ward stal^bed and killed a southern man named 
Sumter, against whom he had an old grudge. It is supposed that he 
felt it would be safe in a community that had shown itself opposed to 
secession for him to settle up old scores with his personal entnny. But 
he miscalculated matters if that was the case. Sumter was quiet 
and inoffensive, while Ward had a l)ad reputation generally. He was 
arrested after the murder and put in jail. A few nights later he was 
taken from the jail and hung just west of where the Wal)ash railroad 
now runs. No investigation of the lynching was ever made. Sym- 
pathy in the community was with Sumter even though he had polit- 
ical views which differed from those of the majority in the community. 

For some time before this unfortunate affair the work of enlisting 
soldiers on both sides had gotten w(>ll under way. No record has been 
foimd of the Confederate enlistments that were made in this county. 
It is claimed, however, tliat not less than three hundred men joined 
companies rais(Hl in and around the county for the Confederate ser- 
vice and that many others slip]ie(l out of the county and state and en- 
tered the Confederate service in other states. E. M. C. Morelock 



CniL War. 85 

and William F. Davis are inontioiKMl among the organizers of Confed- 
erate companies in May and June, 18G1. It is said that the company 
raised by Morelock joined Green, the famous Confederate recruiting 
officer just before the latter was driven out of the northeastern part 
of the state. It is also said that Tice Cain of Schuyler County was 
the most successful recruiting officer for the Confederate cause. 

While this work of recruiting Confederate troops in the county 
was going on, a section of the Third Iowa regiment came into Kirksville 
and put a stop to it. The leaders of these recruiting efforts fled 
the county in haste for safety. Among them was Major Morelock, 
editor of the Kirksville Democrat. The third Iowa took possession 
of his office and got out a special edition entitled ''Union Democrat," 
dated August 23, 1861. This edition was a small two-page affair, four 
columns to the page. In it were articles expressing the feelings of the 
regiment towards the "rebels," especially towards the departed editor. 
One article gave an account of Major Morelock's departure. Inasmuch 
as it is typical of all the articles, it is given here in its entirety: 

"Lost, Strayed or Stolen. — One E. M. C. Morelock, once known 
as the editor of the Kirksville Weekly Democrat, and who has, at divers 
and sundry times and on sundry and divers occasions officiated in va- 
rious public positions in Adair County, and rumor has it, might have 
been first in the hearts of his countrj^men. On Saturday, the 17th 
inst., the heavy tread of armed Federal hosts was heard approaching 
Kirksville. For some reason, the sound fell upon the ears of the miss- 
ing man as the knell of his departing popularity. Suddenly he had 
matters away in an opposite direction requiring his immediate atten- 
tion. There was mounting in hot haste and there was Gilpin out- 
Gilpined. Where are you, Morelock? Why hide that honest face of 
yours and create among your friends that surplus anxiety so prejudicial 
to good health? But where ere you roam, 0, Morelock, you will have 
the comforting assurance that your worldly possessions, i. e., your press, 
t>'pe, papers, and especially your ponderous subscription list, all left 
l)ehind you in your haste to look after your foreign business, are receiv- 
ing a fatherly care, and that your beloved journal still continues to 
faithfully chronicle all passing events, and to labor for the best inter- 
ests of the good people of Adair County. Terms same as before, one 
dollar per year, always in advance, payable in anything from chips 
and whetstones down to gold dollars. The patronage of the public 
solicited, etc., etc., etc. (See the last issue of the Democrat.) Friend 
^Morelock, we found your sanctum and surroundings neglected, needy, 



86 History of Adair CoUxNty. 

and in want. The Iowa Third has accepted the part of tlie Good Shep- 
herd, hfted the type from their degraded position on the floor, rear- 
ranged the furniture in a manner so that the printing hall has assumed 
its wonted grandeur. Come back then, 0, IVIorelock, you must ere 
this liave recovered from your "secesh" attack, and be able once more 
to hold up your head among your neighbors hke an honest man. Here 
is your press, your paper all better than you left it, and we will take 
pleasure in again placing all in your hands, providing you continue the 
publication of the 'Democrat' in defense of the Union. Unless .you do 
this our protection will not l^e given. Repent now, (), Morelock, re- 
turn to your first love, and when you make your peace with God, you 
will have one sin less to account for. Junior." 

Further mention of this edition will be made in the chapter on 
newspapers. 

Owing to the lack of records of the Confederate troops in the coun- 
ty, estimates have to be resorted to. But the Federal records enable us 
to do something better than make estimates of those going into the 
Federal service by way of joining companies raised here. According 
to the re]:)ort of the Adjutant General of jMissouri for I860, the quota 
of men which Adair County had l)een called upon to furnish from April 
15, 1861, to December 19, 1864, was 257. The number of enlistments 
credited to the county was 417, that is 160 in excess of what had been 
called for. This does not include those who had left the county and 
joined companies outside, nor does it include the enlistments made in 
the county during 1865. Some effort will now be made to go over the 
history of these enlistments, though it is admitted that all of them 
have not been found. 

President Lincoln issued his call for 75,000 three months' volun- 
teers on Ajjril 15, 1861. In the requisitions made upon the various 
states for troops to make up this number, Missouri was asked to supply 
four regiments. Governor Jackson refused to resjiond to this call. 
Preparations, however, went on under ])rominent men throughout the 
state for the raising of troops in spite of the Governor's attitude. Com- 
panies called Home Ciuards were organiztnl, and in time these were 
sworn into the Union service. These Home (iuards are not to ])v con- 
fused with the State Guards organized und(>r Governor Jackson. 

S(^veral Home Guard companies were organized in Adair County 
in 1861. Some of these remained in the service only threo months, 
the t(>rm set by President Lincoln. There were at least three such 
companies: one organized at Shibley's Point, under Capt. Jacob R. 
Cook, which was disbanded on Septcnnber 5; another called Adair Coun- 



Civil War. 87 

ty Company, under Capt. Bolaiuler, which was (hs])an(l(>(l on October 
5; and another called Adair County Conii)any also, under Capt. James 
E. Gordon, whicli was disbanded on October 15. 

Aside I'i'om these three companies which were disbanded in the 
fall, man}' others were formed in the county, which remained in the 
service for several years. A Home Guard Company was organized 
under Capt. Nathan Winters, and another under Capt. Foster R. Hawk. 
Both of these companies were sworn into Federal service on August 1. 
Later they became Companies A and B, respectively, of the Twenty- 
Second Infantry, Missouri Volunteers, under Lieut. Col. John D. Fos- 
ter and Major Andrew H. Linder. With these two companies there 
were in this regiment four other companies which are said to have been 
raised by Lieut. Col. Morse between Hannibal and Macon. 

The work of recruiting men for these two Adair County compa- 
nies and of getting them sworn into service, had been facilitated by 
the arrival in Kirksville in July of some detachments of the Third loAva 
Infantry and the Sixteenth Illinois Infantry. These Iowa and Illinois 
troops were here not only to help in recruiting Federal soldiers, but 
also to run down Confederate recruits and recruiting officers. 

Before the work of organizing the Twenty-Second Missouri had 
been completed, a skirmish occurred a few miles northeast of Kirks- 
ville between a squad of twelve men from the two Adair County com- 
panies that were to become a part of that regiment, and a squad of 
Confederate recruits under Capt. Bob Hagar of Monroe County. The 
squad from the Adair County companies were under Corporal Harvey 
Dix of Company D, Third Iowa. They had been scouting around north- 
east from Kirksville a few miles, trying to find out where Colonel Green, 
the successful Confederate recruiting officer, was to be found. One 
day at dinner at the house of a Union man, Dix's squad was attacked 
by Capt. Hagar's scouts. In the struggle that ensued Corporal Dix 
was killed. He had run out of the house on seeing the enemy come up, 
and had backed himself into the chimney corner and from that position 
fought as best he could until he was killed. The appearance of Con- 
federate reinforcements under Capt. W. S. Richardson of Lewis Coun- 
ty, compelled the squad of Federals to flee as best they could. J. A. 
Tinsman, who had been stationed as a picket while the squad had gone 
to dinner, came to Kirksville on hearing the firing to give the alarm. 
A detachment was sent out to the scene but found the enemj' had fled. 

This struggle occurred on August 19, 1861, on the Westenhaver 
farm in section 32, township 64, range 14. It was the first military 
event during the civil war in Adair County, and Corporal Dix was the 



88 



History of Adaik County. 



first to fall. The Kirksville G. A. R. Post has honored his memory 
by naming it after him. 

On February 25, 1862, Companies A and B of the Twenty-Second 
Infantry, were transferred to the Seventh Regiment of Cavalry, Mis- 
souri Volunteers, thereby becoming Companies H and I of that regi- 
ment. In the Seventh Regiment there were also three mounted com- 
panies from the Eighteenth Missouri Infantry and seven companies 
from the Black Hawk Cavalry. The immediate task given to this 




Corporal Harvey Dix 

Killed in a skirmish northeast of Kirksville, August 19, 1861. 

From a faded tin type. 



particular company was the guarding of the Hanniljal and St. Joseph 
Railroad. In September, 1862, this regiment became a part of the 
army of the frontier under General Schofield, and participated in the 
battles of Newtonia, Fayetteville, Prairie Grove and Van Buren. In 
the spring of 1863 it became a part of the Davidson Cavalry Division, 
and- served in the seventh army corjos until the close of the war, taking 
part in the battles of Brownsville, Little R()(;k, Benton, Tulip (Ark.), 
Monticello, Moro Bottom, Mount Ida and Red Fork Bryan. In Feb- 
ruary, 1865, this regiment was consolidated with and became a part of 
the First Missouri Cavalry. 

In the spring of 1861 a Home Guard company was begun in the 
neighborhood of Wihnathville in the northeastern part of the county. 
This company was made up of men from this county and from two or 



('iviL War. 89 

three neighboring counties, and was under Capt. Joseph Story. It first 
became a part of the First Northeast Missouri Keginient, but in Feb- 
ruary, 1862, the First and Second Northeast Missouri Regiments were 
consohdated into the Twenty-First Missouri under Colonel D. Moore. 
The company which was made up of men from Adair County and neigh- 
lioring counties became Company B in this new regiment. In July, 
1862, Josiah Davis, who is still living in Kirksville, was elected Captain 
in place of Captain Story. This regiment was present at the cam- 
paigns of Shiloh, Corinth, Tupelo, and Ft. Blakely. At the latter place 
it was the first to plant the stars and stripes upon the fortifications, 
and after the engagement it marched over 450 miles to brigade head- 
quarters with 500 Confederate prisoners and two Confederate generals. 

In the Twenty-Seventh Infantry, Missouri Volunteers, there were 
two companies which were made up largely of men from Adair County. 
Company C was organized in August, 1862, under Capt. D. S. Hooper. 
Company D was organized in the same month under Capt. Wm. A. Talby 
of St. Louis. In 1864 Hooper was honorably cHscharged, and E. O. 
Gates was made Captain of Company C. This regiment was first 
sent to Rolla, Mo., and then ordered to Vicksburg, where it participated 
in the capture of that place. It formed a part of the celebrated Grain- 
\'ille and Deer Creek expedition. It was in that long, weary and bril- 
liant march of Sherman from Corinth to Chattanooga, and took part 
in the fight of Tuscumbia, Lookout Mountain, and Mission Ridge. 
It also took part in the siege of Atlanta and the march to the sea, as- 
sisting in the taking of Savannah. It was also in the engagement against 
General Joe Johnston at Bentonville, N. C. The Adair County Com- 
panies, that is. Companies C and D, were mustered out June 13, 1865. 

The several companies of the Thirty-Ninth Infantry, Missouri 
Volunteers, were recruited in August, 1864. Company A under Capt. 
James A. Smith, and Company B under Joseph R. Good, were made 
up largely of men from Adair County. In September the various com- 
jianies of this regiment were put on the trail of bushwhackers that were 
operating in northeast Missouri. The general rendezvous of the regi- 
ment was Hannibal. In the course of various movements. Major A. 
\. E. Johnson started from Paris with detachments of companies A, 
G and H, and on striking the trail of Bill Anderson, the famous guerilla, 
followed it up until he came upon him near Centralia on September 
27. The struggle that ensued resulted in the almost complete annihi- 
lation of the pursuing companies. The circumstances were as follows. 

Anderson and his men to the number of 300 or 400, had come to 
Centralia early that morning, and had plundered it thoroughly. They 



90 History of Adair ('ounty. 

held up a .stage coaeh on its arrival from Columbia and robbed the 
passengers, and when about noon time a train from St. Louis passed 
through they stopped it and robbed the passengers and the express car. 
Among the passengers were twenty-three discharged and furloughed 
Union soldiers. These men were taken out, stripped of their uniforms, 
and shot down by a detachment of Anderson's men at his orders. There- 
upon Anderson and his men retired to their headquarters a couple of 
miles from town. This event is known as the Massacre of Centralia. 

Al)out three o'clock that afternoon, the Thirty-Ninth Missouri 
IVIounted Infantry under Major A. V. E. Johnson, came into Centralia. 
The regiment was made up of new recruits who were badly mounted 
and badly armed. In all there were only about 175 men. The citi- 
zens of Centralia advised Major Johnson not to attack Anderson, but 
disregarding the warning, he ordered about 125 men to form out in the 
open prairie and proceed towards Anderson's headquarters. The re- 
mainder of the regiment were left to attend to the horses and wagons. 
Anderson saw what was coming and jirepared to meet the attack. He 
had the advantage in this preparation, inasmuch as he was in timbered 
land, and the timber hid him from the enemy. As the Thirty-Ninth 
approached, Anderson's men rushed out with shouts and yells, and in a 
few minutes had killed, according to Lieut. Col. Kutzner's report, 122 men, 
including Major Johnson. So great was the panic among the Federals 
that only a very few of Anderson's men were killed or wounded. This 
is known as the Battle of Centralia, though it is sometimes s})oken of as 
the Massacre of Centralia, b(H'ause of the ruthless manner in which the 
men were cut down. 

Company A was almost completely wiped out. The officers killed 
were: .James A. Smith, Captain; William G. Elliott, second sergeant; 
Joseph S. Nisbett, third sergeant; Meshack B. Long, fourth sergeant; 
John C. Reynolds, fifth sergeant; Andrew W. Walters, third corporal; 
Jasper ]May, fifth corj)oral; Canaday Keller, sixth corporal, and Elijah 
E. Eitel, eighth corporal. The privates killed were: Josiah Adams, 
George W. Bragg, Outclmile O. l^yrd, W. H. Braden, John N. Braden, 
Wm. H. Corl)in, Andrew J. Capps, John L. Canada, (^leorge W. Cook, 
P. Cunningham, Andrew J. Denton, David R. (Jraves, John B. W. Graves, 
A. B. Hayward, \'al. Hines, Binijamin Hargrove, Joim Hanlin, G. Hanlin, 
W. H. Jeffers, Henry Keller, Daniel Lorton, Joseph Morrow, James 
Morrow, Edwin T. Miles, T. McClanahan, Mark I. ^lusick, James K. 
P. Mock, Wm. Norton, Eh F. Osborn, Ad. B. PoUey, A. S. Parsons, 
Jacob Reed, John S. Spicer, Isaac Slaughter, Jos. (). Stutteville, Em- 
mett H. Sell)y, Wm. Shoemaker, Dan A. Simlcr, Charl(>s Wellbaum, 



Civil War. 91 

David Wellhuuiu, J. H. B. Waddill, R. J. Williams, Thomas Wau,<>h, 
James Willis, John R. Wood, C. C. Wise, and Alfred Zimmerman. 

The officers who were not present or who escaped were: Edwin 
Darrow, first lientenant; Robert Moore, second lieutenant; Otis Mil- 
ler, first sergeant; Samuel M. Keller, first corporal; Wm. B. Denton, 
second corporal; Daniel Y. Conkle, fourth corporal; Peyton F. Foster, 
seventh cori:)oral. T\\v privates who were not i)resent or escaped were: 
Henry Beecher, John Calvin, Samuel Dye, Peter Dorr, John W. Gregg, 
Xai. Judd, John Keller, W. P. Linder, James W. Moore, Jere Mann, 
L. Miller, Isaac Novinger, Manuel Novinger, James Pinkerton, Hiram 
Panghorn, Calvin Round, John T. Reynolds, Josiah W. Snell, Charles 
A. Snell, W. P. Stockton, Thomas J. Spencer, and Harrison Watson. 

After the battle was over and the guerillas had left, the people of 
Centralia gathered up the remains of the dead and Ijrought them to 
town. Some were taken to Mexico and buried. Seventy-nine were 
l)uried in one long trench near the railroad in the eastern part of the 
town. The trench was later enclosed with a fence and a slab erected 
to the memory of the dead. On it was inscribed: "The remains of 
Companies A, G and H, Thirty-Ninth Regiment, Missouri Voliniteer 
Infantry, who were killed in action at Centralia, Missouri on the 27th 
day of September, 1864, are interred here." Later the remains were 
transferred to Jefferson City and reinterred in one grave in the National 
Cemetery there. 

Besides the Missouri Volunteers there were the Enrolled Missouri 
Militia and the Missouri State Militia, several comi^anies of which 
were made up of Adair County men. 

The Fiftieth Regiment of Enrolled Missouri Militia contained at 
least two companies organized in Adair County in 1862. They were 
Company A, under Capt. James A. Smith, and Company I, under Capt. 
Benoni W. Bell. Most of the companies of this regiment were 
transferred to the Eighty-Sixth Regiment of the Enrolled Missouri 
Militia in 1864. Company A of the Fiftieth l^ecame Company A of 
the Eighty-Sixth, and Company I became Company D. The regi- 
mental officers of the Eighty-Sixth were all Adair County men. J. D. 
Foster was Colonel; John B. Dodson, Lieutenant Colonel; B. W. Bell, 
Major; D. S. Hooper, Adjutant; A. L. Wood, Quarter Master. Jas. 
A. Smith remained Captain of Company A of the Fftieth when it became 
Company A of the Eighty-Sixth. Shortly before Company I of the 
Fiftieth became Company D of the Eighty-Sixth, P. J. Brown became 
Captain in place of B. W. Bell, antl remained so after the change. 

Company I of the Fiftieth was put into active service guarding 



92 History of Adair County. 

Kirksville for thirty-three days in the summer of 1864. One incident 
occurred during that period that is of interest. Every night picket men 
were put out at different points along the roads leading into town. One 
night report was brought into headquarters that the "rebels" had cap- 
tured the two pickets which had been stationed near Geo. Rice's house, 
east of where the High School now stands. The other pickets were immedi- 
ately called in and preparations were made for a battle Avith the oncom- 
ing foe. But when the foe did not appear, an investigating party was 
sent out, and found the two pickets who had been reported as captured, 
sound asleep in bed at Rice's house. They were brought to town and 
drummed out of the Company forthwith. 

In the Eleventh Regiment Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, there 
was at least one company of Adair County men: Company B, under 
Capt. H. E. York, and later under Capt. Samuel Shibley. This com- 
pany was organized early in 1862. 

In 1865 the Missouri Militia was thoroughly reorganized. Most 
of the counties were made to organize the loyal citizens into regiments, 
so that there was a regiment for nearly every county. The Twenty- 
Eighth was made up of eight companies from Adair County. J. B. 
Dodson was Colonel, and D. S. Hooper, Major. The Captains were 
as follows: Company A, Charles H. Malone; B, Win. J. Ashlock; C, 
George H. Boone; D, Henry M. Barnes; E, Harvey H. Toney;F, Wm. 
P. Linder; G, James W. Callison; H, Adam Shoop. 

Section III.— The Battle of Kirksville, 
August 6, 1862. 

In order to understand the significance of the battle of Kirksville 
it is necessary to give a brief outline of the general situation in the state 
from the outbreak of the war to the day of the engagement. 

In the election of 1860, Missouri cast her electoral votes for Doug- 
las for President, but elected Jackson, a southern rights man as Gov- 
ernor, and Reynolds, another southern rights man as Lieutenant Gov- 
ernor. The Legislature elected at this time met in January, 1861, and 
through a coml)ination made between the Douglas man and the south- 
ern rights men, a Speaker was elected who agreed with the Governor 
and the Lieutenant Governor in politics. During January and Feb- 
ruary of that year, six southern states followed South Carolina in se- 
ceding from the Union. Under the influence of these acts of secession 
the Legislature ordered that the people should elect representatives to 
a State Convention which should d(>cide whether the State should stay 



Civil War. 



93 



in the Union or not. To the great disgust and disappointment of the 
southern sympathizers in the Legislature and elsewhere, the election 
returns showed that not a single member of the secession party had 
lieen elected, though a few believers in states rights had been elected. 
The Convention after discussing matters for some time, finally voted 
in March not to secede. This was follow^ed l)y futile attempts by Gov- 
ernor Jackson to take the State out of the Union anyhow. How Cam]:) 




Col. John McNeil 

Commander of the Federal forces at the battle of Kirksville.^ Shortly 

after the battle he was given the title of Brigadier General. 



Jackson was taken by General Lyons, how the effort to effect peace 
between the different parties failed, how Governor Jackson abandoned 
Jefferson City, how he defeated Sigel at Carthage, how he went to 
Memphis, Tennessee to secure assistance from the Confererate Gov- 
ernment, how the State Convention in its second session deposed him 
and appointed Hamilton R. Gamble in his stead, how the Confederates 
won the battle of Wilson's Creek in August and the battle of Lexington 
in September, how the subsequent victories of the Federals in the next 
few months culminated in the battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, in March, 
1862, thereby determining the course of the State with reference to the 



94 History of Adair County. 

great question of secession — all these things need not be detailed here. 
But as we approach nearer to the time of the battle of Kirksville in 
August, 1862, it is necessary to note somewhat more carefully the events 
that took place. 

In June, 1862, all of Missouri, except the three southeast counties, 
was erected into a military district called the District of Missouri, and 
was placed under the command of General Schofield. The district 
was divided into five divisions. The Northeastern Division was placed 
under Col. McNeil of St. Louis, his effective force being at that time 
1250 men. 

At about this time the Federals began to realize what the plans of 
the Confederates were after the battle of Pea Ridge, and how those 
plans were working out. As has already been intimated, this battle 
put an end forever to the Confederates' plan of taking the State out of 
the Union, but they did not give up hopes as yet. Many Missouri 
men were sent back home after Pea Ridge to recruit soldiers for the Con- 
federate army, and the forces that were to be raised were to be used in 
gaining the State for the southern cause. Places of rendezvous were 
appointed and men began to assemble in large numbers at these places 
in May and June. The order for a general enrollment which was issued 
by Governor Gamble in July served to send many men into these re- 
cruiting camps in order that they might escape the state militia service. 

Among those recruiting in Northeast Missouri were Joseph C. 
Porter, Poindexter, Franklin, and McCuUough. Porter had been 
elected Lieutenant-Colonel of a regiment raised in Lewis County in 
July, 1861, and had taken an active part in the campaigns in Missouri 
in that year and had been at the battle of Pea Ridge. He was sent 
back to his home in Lewis County by General Price after that battle 
to recruit troops, and some time in April or May he estaljlished a camp 
on the North Fabius River near Monticello. To this cam]) a goodly 
number of recruits came. 

When it l)ecame api^arent to the Federals what was going on under 
Porter and others, every step was taken to prevent their plans from 
succeeding. General Schofield caused all boats and other means of 
crossing the Missouri River which were not under guard of his troops, 
to be destroyed. This was to prevent any considerable number of 
Confederate troops from crossing the Missouri and proceeding south 
to join the main army. Meanwhile Federal troops were directed against 
the masses of Confederate recruits that were l)eing collected, so as to 
crush them before they became too large. As Col. McNeil was in com- 
mand of the Northeast Division of the District of Missouri, the attack 



Civil War. 95 

upon these Confederate hands under Porter and tlie otlier leaders al- 
ready mentioned, was largely directed by him. 

To escape attack and to increase the number of his enlistments, 
Porter moved from his camp on the North Fabius near Monticello, to 
Memphis, which he took on July 13. For nearly a month from this 
time on Porter was on the move almost constantly, with the Federal 
forces generally in close pursuit. As this month of marching and fight- 
ing culminated in the battle of Kirksville, it is well to note it in detail. 
It seems that Porter left Memphis a few hours after he entered it, 
going to Downings eight miles away, where he camped that night. On 
the day following Porter's departure from Memphis, Col. McNeil ar- 
rived with three or four of his officers. After leaving Memphis Porter 
became aware that the Federals were pursuing him, and so planned 
an ambush at a nearby place called Vassar's Hill. As a result he badly 
crippled Major Clopper's battalion of Merrill's Horse on July 18. Por- 
ter's men have always spoken of this engagement as Oak Ridge, and 
Clopper's men as Pierce's Mill. 

After this engagement Porter continued his way southward through 
Knox and Shelby Counties. At Florida, Monroe County, a skirmish 
took place on July 22 between Porter and Major Caldwell of the Third 
Iowa Cavalry. Caldwell was forced to fall back, while Porter contin- 
ued south. Caldwell resumed his pursuit a little later and came upon 
Porter at Santa Fe Monroe Co., and was defeated in skirmishes on 
July 24. He was compelled to fall back again, while Porter advanced 
farther south through Audrain County. 

Porter left liis camp in Audrain County on July 25 and moved 
west to the boundary line between Callaway and Boone Counties. He 
then turned east and came to Boone's Spring, nine miles north of Ful- 
ton. Here he was reinforced Ijy men from Capt. Frost's and Capt. 
Cobb's companies, so that he had in all 260 men. The expected attack 
from the Federals did not materialize, so Porter proceeded down the 
Auxvasse River to Moore's Mill, about seven miles east of Fulton. 
Here he was opposed by Col. Guitar who had advanced into Callaway 
County from Jefferson City, having been advised by General Schofield 
as to the movements of Porter. Guitar's forces were much larger than 
Porter's and were therefore able to win a victory which turned Porter 
hack from his movement south. Notwithstanding this serious check 
Porter, according to his recent biographer, accomplished a great deal 
in fifteen days, having marched five hundred miles, captured one town, 
paroled one hundred of the enemy, fought four Ijattles, and captured 
a lot of arms. 



96 History of Adair County. 

After the engagement at Moore's Mill Porter turned north, sencUng 
detachments to Paris and Canton thereby taking those places. From 
Paris he went to Newark, Knox County, where he captured Capt. Lair 
and his comi)any. Meanwhile Col. McNeil was following him in hot 
pursuit. Finding it advisable to keep on the move, Porter withdrew 
to the north from Newark, leaving that town just shortly before IVIc- 
Neil came up. Instead of pushing the pursuit any farther at that 
time, ]\IcNeil remained at Newark a few days awaiting reinforcements. 
Porter continued his march until he reached the western border of 
Lewis County, where he was reinforced by a battalion of Col. Cyrus 
Franklin who had been sent to capture Canton. With this battalion 
was Col. Frisby H. McCullough, of whom we shall hear more shortly. 
Porter therefore called a conference of his officers to decide on what 
should be done. 

The ultimate object of all these movements of Porter was, as has 
been said, to gather a large army and move it to Arkansas where it 
could then join the forces that were gathering there. Thr problem was 
how to get across the Missouri River, and it has already been noted how 
the Federals had anticipated this problem and had made the crossing 
of that river very difficult by destroying the means of transportation 
and by patrolling the river. Nevertheless the Confederates did not 
despair of crossing the river, and in order that they might conceal their 
plans and draw the Federals away from the Missouri, a feint in force 
was to be made in the northern part of the state by Porter's forces, 
which feint would perhaps involve a bloody battle. It seems that Mem- 
phis had been thought of as the proper place at which to concentrate 
the Confederate forces and there bring on a battle; but while Porter 
and his men were deliberating upon what they should do, a courier came 
from Captain Tice Cain to the effect that he and his Schuyler County 
Company had entered Kirks ville and taken it. Kirks ville had been 
held for some days previous to Cain's arrival by a company of newly 
enrolled militia (Company A, Fiftieth Regiment) under Cai)t. James 
A. Smith, but this company had been ordered by Col. Cilstrap, who 
was in command at Macon, to come to that place and avoid the danger 
which it was thought was threatening it at Kirksville. Hardly had 
this company left before Capt. Cain came in and sent a courier to Por- 
ter telling him what he had done. This news caused Porter and his men 
to decide in favor of moving to the west and joining Cain at Kirksville, 
near which ]ilace they might bring on an engagement. 

The combined force under Porter numbered about two tliousand. 
Of this uuinbcr nnl\- about five liini(lr(>d were well armed, while five 



Civil War. 97 

liundrcd were only fairly armetl, and the rest, fully one-half the entire 
numher, were comjiletely unarmed. The presence of so many unarmed 
men was doubtless due to the fact that Porter was gathering up r(^cruits 
many of whom had no arms of their own and would not get any until 
they reached the main Confederate army in Arkansas. 

This conference of Portcn* and his men seems to have becni held in 
th(» northeastern part of Knox County near the North Fabius River. 
The Federal forces were crowding in u]ion Porter very rapidly. On 
Sunday, August 3, they caught up with him, but after reconnoitering 
for a while decided not to give battle and so withdrew. Later that 
same day Porter and his force started towards Kirksville, which place 
they reached Wednesday forenoon, August 6, and made their entrance 
from the northeast. 

Seeing how hard pressed he was, Porter decided to give battle at 
Kirksville. It has been said by some that he made a mistake in not 
going on a little farther west and making his stand in the Chariton River 
bottom; it has been claimed that his chances would have been a great 
deal better there than in the town. Parties who were witnesses of the 
battle and who are still living in Kirksville, say that Porter was altogether 
too much pushed to get beyond the town, and could not have choscm 
to go farther if he had wished. Warning the people to get out of town, 
Porter ordered some of troops to barricade themselves in the houses, 
and drew up his main line of defense behind a rail fence that ran along 
where the Wabash railroad now is, just west of the central part of the 
town. 

Kirksville was then a very small village, extending from High 
Street on the east to the line of the present Wabash railroad on the 
west, and a few l^locks from the square to the north and the south. 
The population was aljout seven hundred. The census of 1860 gave 
it only 658. 

As has already been intimated, Porter had been pursued for some 
time by McNeil. McNeil had started the pursuit on July 29, the day 
after the battle of Moore's Mill. According to his report he had started 
out from Palmyra on July 29, and after passing through Clinton, Mon- 
roe County, he came to Paris, which place he found Porter had just 
vacated. The pursuit from there to Kirksville has already been detailed. 
It should he added that McNeil remarks in his report that the pursuit 
from Newark to Kirksville was delayed somewhat by the worn out 
condition of his men and horses, by the character of the country, and 
by the l)urning of the bridges and the destruction of the fords by Por- 
ter who was in retreat before him. 







- o 



fa S 
O "-3 



a 



fe 



Civil War. 99 

McNeil's forces arrived at the edge of Kirksville about ten o'clock 
on the morning of August 6. The main column and artillery had been 
preceded by the advance guard composed of detachments of the Sec- 
ond and Eleventh Missouri State Militia under Major Benjamin. This 
advance guard occupied the northeast approach of the town, halting 
at the Parcells place, afterwards known as the Kellogg place, and now 
the Kinloch farm. When McNeil learned that Porter had halted in the 
town, he ordered all his troops to hurry up into line and deployed them 
on the northern and eastern sides of the town. Lieut. Col. Shaffer was 
put in command of the right wing, which was composed of the Merrill 
Horse under Major Clopper, detachments of the Second and Eleventh 
Cavalry of the Missouri State Militia under Major Benjamin, and a 
section of the Third Indiana Battery under Lieut. Armington. Major 
Caldwell was put in command of the left wing, which was composed of 
his own command and a detachment of the First Cavalry, Missouri 
Volunteers, under Major Cox. A section of the steel battery of two 
pound howitzers in charge of Sergeant West and ten men of Company 
C, Second Missouri State Militia, acted as did the Indiana Artillery 
under Capt. Barr of the Merrill Horse. 

In order to ascertain the exact position of the enemy in the town 
McNeil called for an officer and a squad who should charge into the town 
and draw the enemy's fire. Lieut. Cowdry of the Merrill Horse and a 
squad of eight men were detailed to execute this order. Cowdrey ap- 
proached the pubhc square, and, according to McNeil's report, entered 
the square and passed around it, coming out at the other corner. Ac- 
cording to eye-witnesses still living in Kirksville, this squad came close 
to the northeast corner of the square but never entered it because of 
the heavy fire that was being poured into it. The charge revealed 
what had been sought for, but it was accomplished at some loss. Ac- 
cording to McNeil's report, two of the scjuad were mortally wounded, 
three slightly wounded, and five horses killed. Other reports make the 
loss still greater while some make it less. 

The enemy having been discovered, the attack commenced. The 
artillery of five guns, planted near what was then called the Cumberland 
Academy, threw shot and shell into cornfields, gardens, and houses where 
Porter's men were. The dismounted men were thrown forward and 
they seized the outer line of sheds and houses on the north and east 
sides of the town. Meanwhile a large body of Porter's men who had 
been in a cornfield in the northeast part of town was driven out. As 
the Federal forces moved towards the public square the two wings met 
and succeeded in taking the court house. As Porter yielded ground. 



100 History of Adair County. 

he concentrated his forces along the main Hne of defense which had been 
stationed on the western edge of the town. From a position where the 
Wabash depot now stands he poured a galhng fire into McNeil's men; 
but McNeil's right wing moved against this line and drove it away to 
the west, while the left wing took full possession of the southern part 
of the town. The battle lasted about three hours, from about ten in 
the morning to one in the afternoon. 

The pursuit continued through the woods that lay to the west of 
the toAvn, and many horses and large quantities of arms, clothing and 
camp equipage were thus found. Major Clopper was ordered to pur- 
sue the fleeing Confederates with a body of Merrill's Horse, and he is 
reported by McNeil as having done so until he felt the enemy had crossed 
the Chariton. It is the opinion, however, of certain citizens of Kirks- 
ville, who were witnesses of the battle, that the pursuit was not kept up 
very long, for if it had been the whole of Porter's force, they claim, 
would have been captured. At any rate McNeil explains his failure 
to pursue any farther than was clone to the hunger and fatigue of his 
troops, to the large numbers of the enemy, and to the fear that the 
enemy might suddenly fall upon his rear. 

It is impossible to state with absolute accuracy the number of men 
engaged in this battle or the number of the killed, wounded and cap- 
tured. Col. McNeil in his report dated September 17, 1862, enumer- 
ated the forces under his command, but though they amounted to more 
than one thousand, he says that only about five hundred of his men 
*took part in the Imttle. The others were engaged in guarding the army 
train and in taking care of the horses of the men who were in the firing 
line. He reported the Federal casualties as five killed and thirty-two 
wounded. According to an account of the l^attle given in the History 
of Shelby County there were six men killed, and their names were as 
follows: C^apt. Mayne of tlie Third Iowa; A. H. Wagoner, Mathias 
Olstein and Sylvester Witham, privates of Company C, Merrill's Horse; 
Sergeant William Bush of Company B, Ninth Missouri State Militia; 
H. H. Moore of Company E, First Missouri State Militia. These 
names have never been verified by the writer from official records. 
Col. Wells Blodgett in his address delivered at the unveiling of the 
McNeil monument in Bellcfontaine Cemetery in St. Louis in 1894, 
said that the Federal loss was twenty-eight killed and sixty wounded. 
What his source of information was is not known. Col. McNeil was 
slightly wounded in the head during the engagement. 

AMiile it is impossil)le to ascertain the exact figures for the Federal 
si(l(>, the above estimates an; undoul)tedly more correct than any that 



Civil War. 101 

may he given for the Confederate side. Porter's men mun})ered about 
two thousand, but not over five hundred, if that many, took part in the 
Imttle. Those that were unarmed or poorly armed hurried on to the 
woods west of the town after the battle began. The Confederates 
l^illed are estimated all the way from thirty-five to one hundred and 
fifty; the wounded from seventy-five to four hundred, and the cap- 
tured from fifty to two hundred and fifty. McNeil in his report said 
that about one hundred and fifty were killed, three hundred to four 
hundred wounded, and forty-seven taken prisoner. He had an excel- 
lent opportunity of knowing the situation as he stayed in town sev- 
eral days after the battle, but we cannot take his estimates as being as 
correct as an official count would have Ijeen. 

On the day after the battle, the people of the town were ordered 
Ijy Col. McNeil to bury the Confederate dead. According to the testi- 
mony of several citizens of the town who responded to the order and 
who are still living here, the bodies of the twenty-six men who were 
killed in the battle were gathered up and put in one large grave in the 
cemetery lying west of the square. But according to Mr. S. M. John- 
ston, who was in the battle under McNeil and who has long resided 
in Kirksville since the war, there were three graves dug and thirty- 
seven Confederates were put in the one dug in a ravine west of the 
present Wabash depot, twenty-six in the one in the cemetery, and over 
twenty in the one to the northwest of the cemetery. This does not 
include the prisoners who were executed after the l^attle. As yet the 
writer of this article has found no confirmation of the statement of Mr. 
Johnston about there being three graves. It is agreed, however, by 
all that many of those who were buried in the cemetery were removed 
by their friends to other places as convenience permitted. 

Among Confederates fatally wounded was Lycurgus Bozarth of Adair 
County, who is said to have joined Porter the morning of the battle. 
He was of the well known family of Bozarths who were among the first 
settlers of the county and whose relatives were generally ardent Un- 
ionists. He did not die for several days after the battle and was buried 
in a separate grave in the cemetery. 

The condition of the Confederate wounded after the battle was some- 
thing frightful. Porter came into town with practically nothing in the way 
of surgical instruments or medical supphes. Dr. A. P. Willard, who 
then owned a drug store in Kirksville and is yet a resident of the place, 
says that Porter came to him on arriving in town and forced him to give 
up his surgical instruments. Dr. Willard says that he was promised 
the safe return of the instruments but that he never saw them again. 



102 History of Adair County. 

He is under the impression that Porter wanted to arrange for a hospital 
at the Ishain Dodson place which stood south west of the town to take 
care of the wounded after the battle. Even if that were the case the 
rout that ensued after the battle made whatever arrangements Porter 
might have made quite useless. The Confederates wounded were 
therefore in a deplorable condition. The townspeople were naturally 
afraid to render assistance as they felt that they might be dealt with 
as rendering help to the enemy of the victors. Moreover, the local 
doctors were helpless to do anything, as the only surgical instruments 
in town had been taken away and nobody knew anything about where 
they were. Whatever of assistance was finally rendered is due to Mr. 
John L. Porter, who was then Deputy Circuit Clerk and Recorder of 
Adair County and who is yet a citizen of Kirksville. He was a southern 
sympathizer but was acquainted with McNeil. On coming back to 
town late in the afternoon after the battle was over he saw the dread- 
ful condition of affairs, and went to McNeil and begged for help. Mc- 
Neil detailed Surgeon Lyons to do the work. Lyons called in Dr. 
Willard to assist him, and for two days these two men amputated limbs 
and performed other surgical operations upon the wounded who had 
been brought to what is known as the Ivie building which stood on the 
northeast corner of the square where Griffith now has his grocery store. 
The amputated limbs were thrown out the window of the building 
into the alley, and it is said that a cart load accumulated before they 
could be taken off and buried. The Ivie building was not sufficient 
to accommodate the wounded, so a great many were taken care of at 
other places in the town. 

The Federal wounded were cared for at the Cumberland Academy 
and at the Parcells place east of town until they could be brought in. 

Before the battle began, the citizens acting on the warning of Por- 
ter, had very generally fled. Many of them fled to the north and sev- 
eral on reaching a place of reasonable safety from danger climbed up 
on the roof of a barn and witnessed the battle. Had there not been a 
general desertion of the town many of the citizens would have been 
killed. As it was one woman, Mrs. Elizabeth Coots, was mortally 
wounded. She and her husband lived in a house just northwest of the 
square. When the battle began they took refuge in their cellar. Ac- 
counts differ as to how she was killed. According to one she was killed 
after she had left the cellar and gone back into the house, the battle 
being at that time alxnit half over. According to another, some Con- 
federates tried to take refuge in the Coots cellar while she was still in 
it and sh(> was shot as she started to come out. She lived only a few 
davs after she was shot. 



Civil War. 



103 



The clay after the battle fifteen of the Confederates who had l)cen 
captured in the fight, were executed on a spot al)out two hundred yards 
southwest of the present Wabash depot. They were executed on the 
charge of having violated their paroles. They were: William Bates, 
R. M. Galbreath, Lewis Rollins, William Wilson, Columbus Harris, 
Reuben Thomas or Thompson, Thomas Wel^b, and Reuben Green 
of ]Monroe County; James Christian, David AVood, and Bennett 
Haj^den of Shelby Count}^; William Bailee and Hamilton Brannon of 
Marion County; and John Kent of Adair County. 

On the second day after the battle, Col. Frisby H. McCullough 
was likewise executed. His case seems to be somewhat different from 




Col. Frisby H. McCullough 
Executed at Kirksville by order of McNeil, Augu.st 8, 1S62. 
From a defaced daguerreotype. 



that of the other fifteen. He had been a very successful recruiting- 
officer in North [Missouri, and was at the time of his execution an oflficer 
in the Missouri State Guards, a military force that had been organ- 
ized under Governor Jackson for the purpose of taking the state out of 
the Uni(jn. McCullough had been o]ierating with Porter only a short 
time before the l)attle of Kirksville, having joined him after he left 
Newark on his way to Kirksville. Almost immediately after the battle 
he had become so ill he could not keep up with the command. De- 
clining the escort which Porter offered liim, he started to go to his home 
in Marion County. Near Edina he was captured by the State Militia 



104 History of Adair (/ocxty. 

and taken to that place. Knowing that some drastic punishment 
would be meted out to him, he asked that he be sent to Palmyra; but 
instead he was brought to Kirksville by Capt. James S. Best, whose 
command was escorting McNeil's supply train which had come into 
Edina on its way to Kirksville just after McCuUough had been cap- 
tured. According to one of McCuUough's friends who wrote after the 
event, he was paraded up and down the streets of Kirksville amid the 
jeers and shouts of joy of the Federals. The author has had 
this statement confirmed by at least one of the Federals who was 
here at the time. He was taken near the spot where the fifteen had 
been shot the day before, and standing up before his executioners and 
looking them steadily in the face he gave them the signal to fire. His 
remarkable bravery excited the admiration of friend and foe alike. 

There is some dispute as to the procedure which led up to the ex- 
ecution of McCullough. Col. McNeil in a letter to a friend some time 
after the event said that "McCullough had l^een tried by a commission 
of which Lieut. Col. ShafTer was President, under (3rder No. 2 of Gen- 
eral Halleck, and Nos. 8 and 18 of General Schofield. He had no com- 
mission except a printed paper authorizing the bearer to recruit for the 
Confederate army. He was found guilty of bushwhacking and of 
being a guerilla. He was a brave fellow and a splendid specimen of 
manhood. I would gladly have spared him had duty permitted. As 
it was he suffered the same fate that would have fallen to you or me if 
we had been found recruiting within the Confederate lines. He met a 
soldier's death as became a soldier." 

Dr. Joseph A. Mudd, who was with Porter up to and including the 
battle of Moore's Mill, has recently wTitten a book entitled "With Por- 
ter in North Missouri," which has been extensively used in the prepara- 
tion of this section. In this book the author has condemned in no un- 
certain terms the execution of McCullough. He doubts the statement 
of McNeil that a trial was held at all, and supports his view by the fact 
that the government records contain no account of it whatever. He 
moreover points out that in McNeil's report made on September 17, 
18G2, mention is made of the execution of the fifteen prisoners taken at 
the battle of Kirksville who werv charged with having broken their 
paroles, but no mention is made of the execution of jVIcCuUough nor of 
any trial. He even goes further and doubts whether any of these fif- 
teen were guilty of having violated their paroles as they were charged. 
It might be further said that General Sterling Price said that he thought 
he had given McCullough a commission to recruit troops at Springfield 
the preceding winter, but he did not know whether he ever acted under 



Civil War. 105 

it or not. It is not Ivnown whether General Price ever verified his state- 
ment made from memory or not. 

Some other things took place which make the story sadder still. 
A Dr. Davis who had come into town with Porter, was attempting to 
give some assistance to the C-onfederate wounded who were in the south- 
west part of town, \vhen Federal soldiers came up and ordered him to go 
with them to McNeil's headquarters. It is said that after he started 
to go with them he was made to run, and was then shot down for running. 
How true this part of the story is cannot be said. 

To the list of the fifteen who were executed on the charge of having 
violated their paroles, there came very near being added the name of 
Jackson G. Oldham of Kirksville. It seems that there were two Old- 
hams by the same name, father and son. The father had been paroled 
but the son had never been. Notwithstanding this the son had been 
arrested and tried at Macon and executed on the charge of having vio- 
lated his parole. All this occurred before the battle of Kirksville. 
^McNeil was about to arrest the father and execute him when Mr. John 
L. Porter of Kirksville interceded and assured McNeil that the elder 
Oldham had never violated his parole. Porter also protested that the 
younger Oldham had been unjustly executed. Later the older Oldham 
erected a monument to the memory of his son in the Kirksville cem- 
etery, on which was inscribed an account of the awful mistake that 
had been made. 

As has been already said, Gol. McNeil made no attempt to pursue 
Porter and his men on the day of the battle except for a little ways 
west of town. He assigned as the reason for not doing so the exhausted 
condition of his men and horses. He therefore went into camp in Kirks- 
ville and took measures for collecting forage and supplies for putting 
the men and horses in condition for pursuit a little later. 

On August 7 Lieut. Col. Morsey with four hundred and twenty- 
seven men of the Tenth Cavalry, Missouri State Mihtia, and Major 
Rogers with the Second Battalion of the Eleventh Regiment Cavalry, 
Missouri State Militia, came into camp at Kirksville from the north. 
As McNeil was moving towards Kirksville from Newark the day before 
he had ordered these troops under Morsey and Rogers to move along a 
line north of him so as to prevent Porter from escaping into Scotland 
or Schuyler Counties. McNeil thinks that Porter's knowledge of this 
particular arrangement had obliged him to make his stand at Kirks- 
ville. The arrival of this force on the seventh swelled AIcNeil's com- 
mand to about seventeen hundred and added to the difficulties in get- 
ting sufficient su])plies. However, on the eighth Lieut. Hiller arrived 



106 History ov Adair County. 

from Palmyra by way of Ecliua, with eight thousand rations and a good 
supply of horse shoes. The escort under Capt. Best that accompanied 
this supply train, was the one that brought McCullough a prisoner to 
Kirksville from Edina, as has been related. 

Porter's retreat towards the Chariton resulted in a more or less 
disbandment. However, a part at least of his forces tried to keep to- 
gether, and moved in a southeasterly direction towards Macon. Near 
Stockton in Macon County this body was attacked by a Federal force 
and compelled retreat north. This Federal force, which was made up 
of a detachment from the Seventh Missouri Cavalry and Guitar's com- 
mand, had Ijeen given the task of preventing the junction of Porter 
and Poindexter, and in pursuance of that duty intercepted Porter as 
he was fleeing from Kirksville. This clash near Stockton occurred on 
August 8. The Federals pursued Porter who was retreating north and 
came upon him at Walnut Creek. There occurred an ambush which 
resulted in the loss of a number of Federals under Col. McFerran, ac- 
cording to one report one hundred or more, and which enabled the bulk 
of Porter's force to get away. After shelling the woods around Walnut 
Creek for some time, McFerran moved towards the Chariton River, 
and at See's Ford skirmishing again ensued between his forces and 
Porter's. But Ijeing unable to get his artillery across the river, he was 
compelled to allow Porter to escape. However, Porter had been foiled 
in his attempt to cross the North Missouri Railroad (the present Wa- 
bash R. R.) so as to rally his scattered forces, and finding the way of 
escape to the south in a body cut off, he decided to disband his organiza- 
tion completely and leave each Company to take care of itself. This 
was done on August 11. 

In the month that followed, Porter managed to get a force together 
and on September 12 he effected the capture of Palmyra. The Con- 
federate prisoners confined in the jail there were liberated, and the 
bonds that had been forced from southern sym])athizers to observe their 
oaths of allegiance were taken away from the Provost Marshall's office 
and burned. During the night of the twelfth Andrew AUsman, who 
had been the object of much hatred on the part of the Confederates, 
was taken from his home and murdered. Just when and how and by 
whom he was murdered is not definitely known. In retaliation for this 
act ten Confederate jirisoners were shot at Palmyra by order of McNeil 
on October 18, 1862. This event has gone down in history as the Mas- 
sacre of Palmyra, and served to intensify the hatred on both sides. 

After the capture of Palmyra Porter marched northward into Lewis 
County. He was followed by McNeil and an (engagement took place 



Civil War. 107 

at Whaley's Mill on September 14, in which Porter's forces were scat- 
tered. This was Porter's last engagement in North Missouri. For 
the next six weeks he gave himself up to the task of getting twelve hun- 
dred men to the Confederate lines south of the Missouri. He is cred- 
ited with having sent in all five thousand men from North Missouri 
during the year 1862. He was wounded at the battle of Hartsville 
in Wright County, Missouri, on January 11, 1863, and died from the 
effects of the wound in camp near Batesville, Arkansas, on February 
18, 1863, aged forty-four years. 

Col. McNeil served through the war and was given the title of 
Brigadier General shortly after the battle of Kirksville. He took an 
active part in the politics of the state for some time after the war. One 
act of his long after the war has a local bearing. At the time when the 
Board of Regents of the First District Normal School was considering 
the location of the school, which the act of the General Assembly ap- 
proved in March, 1870, provided for, friends of Kirksville appealed to 
General McNeil to use his influence in behalf of this place. Mr. W. H. 
Parcells of Kirksville, who was a long time acquaintance of McNeil, 
went to him and urged that since the town had been the scene of con- 
flict during the war it should be the place where the state should have 
one of its institutions. Just what actual influence McNeill exerted 
in the matter cannot be said ; but he did write a letter to certain members 
of the Board who were just retiring from their positions as state officers 
and hence also from the Board. He died June 7, 1891, aged seventy- 
eight years. 

The battle of Kirksville was considered at the time as an engagement 
of considerable significance, especially by the Federal army officers. 
For some time, as we have seen, the Federals had been in hot pursuit of 
Porter, and it was thought that this battle had completely ended his 
recruiting expedition. The reports of the Federal officers are congrat- 
ulatory over their marked success in doing away with so dangerous an 
enemy. Lieut. Col. Shaffer said it was the most successful battle ever 
fought in Missouri and the victory most complete. To a very large 
extent their view that the battle was an important one is correct. Por- 
ter was never able to recover fully from the defeat he met with at Kirksville. 
But it must not be lost sight of that even after this defeat he was able 
to keep up his recruiting to a certain extent. What he might have done 
if he had won the battle instead of losing it, is of course problematical. 
In the history of the desperate effort of the Confederates to force the 
State of Missouri out of the Union, the battle of Kirksville has an im- 



108 History of Adair County. 

portant part, and it is only as it is considered in that connection that it 
is given its due place in the annals of Missouri. 

The portraits accompanying this chapter are war-time portraits. 
It was impossible to get a picture of Colonel Porter, as the only picture 
his family had of him was burned in a fire some years ago. The picture 
of the battle was drawn by Prof. Allen D. Towne of the State Normal 
School Faculty at Kirksville. Prof. Towne had the assistance of Mr. 
S. M. Johnston, a soldier under McNeil, and Mr. John L. Porter, in 
getting a knowledge of the surroundings at the time of the battle. If 
the cut were clear it would show the court house in the center of the 
background. The large building to the left was the old Cumberland 
Academy which stood where the Cooley residence, formerly known as 
the Ringo residence, now stands. The man mounted on horseback 
standing near this Academy building was Colonel McNeil. The line of 
soldiers in the foreground stretched from the Cumberland Academy to 
what is now the Washington School and faced the southwest. The 
pictiu'e of Colonel McNeil, from which the half-tone cut was made, 
Avas furnished the author by Judge W.B.Douglas of St. Louis, and that 
of Colonel McCuUough by his son, F. H. McCuUough, Jr., of Echna, Mo. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
THE CHURCHES. 

Section I. — Religious Conditions. 

The history of the churches of the county begins with the jjioneer 
days and passes through the various stages of growth and development 
which mark the history of all institutional life in the county. With 
the frontiersman who first settled up this new land came the circuit 
rider who, fearing not danger in any form, gathered around him in pri- 
vate homes or school houses the people of the neighborhood and preached 
to them. The early preachers were frequently men unlettered and un- 
sophisticated, and hence deficient in many of the qualifications which 
more settled communities would require of ministers; their preach- 
ing was strictly orthodox and their prejudices were strong; but they 
were greatly in earnest and their efforts told upon the lives of the men 
with whom they came in contact. The present generation owes a great 
debt of gratitude to the early settlers and the early circuit riders. 
They labored together to make our present civilization possible. 

The Baptist and IMethodist preachers were the first to enter this 
field, and it is impossible to tell which came first. The history of the 
settlement of the middle west shows that the Baptists and Methodists 
were generally the first throughout the length and breadth of this vast 
region. The explanation for this is easily found. Very little of academ- 
ic preparation was reciuired of the men of these churches who wished to 
preach, and these churches were possessed of a strong missionary spirit 
and were eager to establish themselves in the new countries that were 
being opened up. Once established they continued to grow and pros- 
per. This explains why the Baptists and Methodists are so strong 
throughout the middle west today. 

Tradition says that a Rev. Mr. Hulsey preached in what is now 
Adair County in 1835 while enroute to his destination still farther on. 
If this is correct, he is likely to have been the first man to preach before 
a congregation of whites in this county. Just where he preached this 
first sermon in the county is not known to the writer. It is a matter of 
record that Rev. Abram Still, father of Dr. A. T. Still, came to Macon 
County in 1836, and frequently preached in what is now Adair County 
until he left the state for Kansas in the forties. He is said to have 
preached the first sermon ever delivered in Kirksville. 



110 



History of Adair County. 



The difficulties and the heroism of the pioneer circuit rider have 
been well depicted by the daughter of Rev. Still, Mrs. Mary Still Adams, 
in her autobiography. She relates the leave taking of the family as 
her father starts out on one of his trips. ''Prince, a large bay horse, 
ready for travel, is held at the gate by my brother Andrew. Father 
is warmly clad in clothes spun and woven by my mother; even the 
socks and tufted mittens were knitted by her hands. Brother James 
has assisted him to adjust his heavy bearskin overcoat, while mother 
has tied his beaver cap securely under his bearded chin. We have all 
accompanied him as far as the gate, he has said good bye and thrown 




Rev. Abr.\m Still 

One of the earliest preachers in Adair County. 

Reproduced by permission from A. T. Still's Autobiography. 



his saddle-bags astride the saddle, and is fast jogging on up the lane and is 
soon lost to sight in the big flakes of snow which fell fast and thick." 
As he nears a stream which he expected to ford before night, he finds it 
greatly swollen by the melting snow and rain, and as it is getting late 
he is compelled to spend the night l)y the riverside. To keep off the 
wolves and panthers he builds large fires in a circle around himself and 
horse, and to keep up his coin-age he sings lustily and prays fervently 
while the wild beasts gather round and scream and yelp in such away 
as to frighten his horse almost to d(>ath. After the danger passes the 
brave preacher improvises a bed by dragging the central fire to one 
sid(^ for three feet, and lies down in the sjiot where it had been, and 



The Ohurches. Ill 

sleeps peacefully until inorniufi;. When morning conies the river has 
receded and he goes on his way to his work. 

The pioneer days were noted for their camp meetings, when for 
days all work would be suspended and the people would gather in camp 
and join in religious exercises that were fervid and demonstrative. 
The first camp meeting in this county is said to have been held at Les- 
ley's Ford on the Chariton in the forties. Rev. James Dysart and 
Rev. Robert Mitchell conducted it. Camp meetings were greatly ap- 
preciated by the early pioneers in a way that people of older and more 
settled communities can not now very easily understand. In those 
times preaching services were not held in any community regularly 
with the coming of Sunday. The circuit rider came at most only once 
a month. When, therefore, the neighborhood joined in a camp meeting, 
it was to enjoy a season of preaching and social intercourse which the 
people had been largely deprived of. It is therefore easily seen why the 
camp meeting has passed away from the places where it was once so 
popular. With the building up of more thickly settled communities 
and wath the fixing of more frequent religious services, the conditions 
that had made the camp meeting in order, passed away. 

The spring and fall "revivals" which had also been held in the 
pioneer period, came now to be more and more depended upon as a 
means of special religious effort, and these were generally marked with 
the same religious enthusiasm and fervidness that the old-fashioned 
camp meeting had possessed. In these latter days less and less de- 
pendence is put upon the periodical "revival." It is more than thirty 
years since this county has seen a good old-fashioned "revival" of the 
type that prevailed just after the war. This is partly due, if not 
largel}' so, to the increase in the activities of the church along other 
lines which bring similar results in other ways and wdiich removes the 
necessity of other methods. 

The church buildings of early days were in keeping with general 
conditions. At first no regular meeting houses were to be had, but 
private houses, school houses and the court house were used. The 
court house was the place most generally used by the Kirksville church 
organizations until the war broke out. In December, 1856, the county 
court in issuing an order allowing the court room to be used for church 
services on Saturdays and Sundays, stipulated that in case it was de- 
sired to have political or railroad speaking in the court room on any 
Saturday, the religious service must give way to it. 

When church buildings began to be erected they were inexpensive 
frame buildings, somewhat larger and a trifle better perhaps than the 



112 History of Adair CouNT"i. 

school houses of the times. As the county became more thickly set- 
tled and the people better off financially, the meeting houses began to 
be built of brick and stone and to be better equipped. The church 
building is usually in keeijing with the material well-being of the com- 
mmnt>' and tlie spirit of pride and generosity that pervades it. It is 
this fact which gives basis to the expectation that the county will in 
the future have better church buildings than have as yet been erected. 

Inasmuch as Missouri was a border state the strife between the 
north and south during the war was keen and bitter, and some awful 
things were perpetrated on both sides. The effect of this strife on the 
churches was disastrous. Most of the churches throughout the state 
were closed at least during a portion of the time, especially towards the 
close. In Adair County there were two or three years at least, when 
church services were completely suspended. The work of reorganization 
was sometimes delayed a year or two after the w-ar closed, and some 
churches were never revived. 

The contest of arms from 1861 to 1865 had a peculiar effect on the 
character of the preaching that was engaged in during the reorganiza- 
tion of the churches. In the effort to get on their feet again the dif- 
ferent denominations emphasized their doctrines quite out of ])ropor- 
tion to other matters. Denominational strife was bitter and feelings 
often ran high on such matters that would now seem somewhat second- 
ary in importance, if not trivial. Nearly every sermon was doctrinal, 
so that any stranger could tell what denomination the preacher be- 
longed to by listening to him a few minutes in any sermon he might ])reach. 

The year 1878 seems to have been the year when religious debates 
were most frequent and most thoroughly enjoyed. Spiritualism, th(> 
inspiration of the Scriptures, evolution, baptism, and other subjects 
akin to these were fruitful of much discussion. Prior to this year a 
small but active group of men and women who called themselves Lib- 
erals was formed in the town. Many of them were Spiritualists. Nat- 
urally they held Ideas quite different from those adhered to in orthodox 
circles, and as both sides were insistent on the correctness of their views, 
frequent clashes on the platform and pulpit and in the papers were had. 

Sometimes the debates would come in the form of two series of 
addresses; one would be delivered at one time by one speaker, and the 
other would follow a week or month later by another man in reply. For 
example, in March, 1878, Prof.G.G. Ferguson came to Kirksville and deliv- 
ered a series of lectures extending over a week on sci(>ntific or semi- 
scientific subjects. His opening address was on the "Origin of ]\Ian," 
and he handled it in th(> ajijjroved orthodox fashion. Most of the other 



The Churches. 113 

lectures were astronomical in character. In the followuiji; Ajji'il a lil)- 
eral leader, named B. F. Underwood, h(>ld forth for some ni<>;hts on 
scientific subjects in which he advanced views, scientific and theolog- 
ical, that were quite different from those of the lecturer of the month 
l^efore. The most lively debates, however, were those that were held 
with the deljaters face to face on the same platform. Of these the 
Ditzler-Jamison debates held in this same year, 1878, have gone down 
in the annals of Kirks ville and the county as i:)erhaps the most interest- 
ing. Dr. Jacob Ditzler was a noted Methodist preacher and has the 
reputation of being the strongest debater on certain theological ques- 
tions which his church ever produced. Professor Jamison was a Lil)- 
eralist and was at the time residing in Kirksville. The debate was 
held in tiu' Methodist church and lasted nine consecutive evenings, 
beginning Monday, May 20, and excluding Sunday. Great crowds 
attended, and the arguments produced were the subject of comment 
on the streets for many days after the debate. The two debaters were 
]3ersonal friends and maintained their cordiality for each other all through 
the debate in spite of the heat of the arguments at times. 

The four propositions which the debaters discussed were: 

1. The Old and New Testaments are the inspired revelation of 
God to man. Ditzler affirmed. 

2. The Bible is a merely human production, abounds in contradic- 
tions and conflicts with success. Jamison affirmed. 

3. Infidelity and materialism tend to immorality and to the injury 
of society. Ditzler affirmed. 

4. The Christian religion and the Bible tend to immorality and the 
injury of society. Jamison affirmed. 

A full account of the debate was published in the North Missouri 
Register. The issues of June and July contained synopses of the va- 
rious speeches. In fact, the last installment was not put in print until 
the middle of November, six months after the debate. 

Later in the year Spiritualism was made the subject of bitter at- 
tacks. There came to town an old man called "Father" Grimes, who in 
a series of addresses accompanied by demonstrations, discoursed on 
hypnotic influences and attributed many things claimed as revelations 
by the Spiritualists as due to hypnotic influences. Other addresses 
were given not only in Kirksville but throughout the county. Among 
those who participated was President J. Baldwin of the State Normal 
vSchool, who was counted a strong opponent of Spiritualism. 



114 History of Adair County. 

The debates were not only between the orthodox and heterodox, 
but at times they were waged between those who were strictl.y orthodox. 
The subjects of baptism and predestination furnished the princi]ial 
themes for discussions. On the first subject Baptists and Disciples 
pitted themselves against Methodists and Presbyterians; and on 
the second subject it was the Presl)yterians against the field. It was 
not all peace between the Baptists and Disciples. The epithet "Camp- 
bellite" was used by the Baptists or others who were attacking the Dis- 
ciples, when the intention was to annoy if not to insult. As far as the 
newspapers show, the controversy between the Baptists and Disciples 
was at its w^orst in 1886 and 1887, when Rev. C. N. Ray of the Baptists, 
and Rev. Simpson Ely of the Disciples, waxed warm on the i)latform 
and in the public prints over theological differences. And as late as 
October, 1891, Rev. Browder of the Disciple church, and Rev. Throg- 
morton of the Baptist, belabored each other over certain subtleties 
regarding baptism. Two years prior to that Browder, who was a foe 
worthy to be met, debated with a Methodist l\y the name of Hart, 
who had been l)rought to town from Illinois by the pastors of the Meth- 
odist churches. 

Fortunately for us those days of controversy which were exciting 
and frequently bitter, are over. It is very seldom that a preacher be- 
trays his denominational affiliation by his public addresses. It may be 
that in the course of time just such a bitter period of controversy on 
other ciuestions will be necessary to prevent stagnation of thought, ])ut 
it is to be hoped that this condition may be avoided and luMice bitter 
controversy made unnecessary. 



Section II. — The Denominations. 

This section will be devoted to sketches of the various congn^ga- 
tions of the different denominations r(>pres(mted in the county, as far 
as data have been collected. Many of the things set foiih in a general 
wa.y in the i)receding section will be abundantly illustrated as we pro- 
ceed. 

The strongest denominations are the Methodists and Baptists. 
The Presbyterians, Disciples, Catholics and United Brethren have from 
three to five congregations each. A few others have only one or two 
congregations. 



The Churches. 115 

A. — Methodist Episcopal Cliurcli. 

KiRKSViLLE. — The Methodi.st Church was operating in the field 
which included what is now Adair County as early as 1836. Whether 
it began any earlier than that is not known. It was in that year Rev. 
Ahram Still, father of Dr. A. T. Still, was transferred from the Holston 
Conference of Tennessee to Northern Missouri as a missionary. He 
settled in Macon County and for years served in the role of circuit rider 
throughout this part of the state. His itinerary brought him frequently 
into what is now Adair County; and he is regarded as the first Meth- 
odist preacher who ever preached in this part of the country. 

The annual conference held at St. Louis in September, 1842, assigned 
Rev. Reuben Aldridge to Bloomington, Rev. Wm. J. Brown to Adair, 
and Rev. Abram Still to Edina, Missouri. It is evident that these ap- 
pointments were all circuits. Just what territory was included in each 
of these circuits in unknown. It is likely Bloomington included Macon 
County; Adair, Adair County, and Edina Mission, Knox County. 
Possibly there was a good deal more than one county in each of these 
circuits. It is of interest to know that in the appointments prior to 
1842 the names Adair and Edina Mission do not appear, and that after 
1842 the name Adair is discontinued, and after 1843 Edina is likewise 
discontinued. Bloomington, however, appears for several years more, 
at least until 1848. It is more than likely that the Bloomington cir- 
cuit included wliat is now Adair County for some time prior to the ap- 
pointments made in 1842, and possibly after 1843 Adair County was in- 
cluded in that circuit. 

The split in the JMethodist church that took place in the middle 
forties resulted apparently in the M. E. Church, South, gaining pos- 
session of the field in Adair County and holding it for several years, 
up to at least a few years l)efore the outbreak of the war. The Mis- 
souri Conference was suspended between 1844 and 1848, and whatever 
work the church did in this field during that time seems to have been 
supervised by the Illinois Conference. That the M. E. Church South 
should be the one to hold this field was quite natural, as the southern 
element in Adair County was rather large prior to the war. 

Just when the M. E. Church resumed its work in this county is 
not known. By 1865 services were being held by that church in the 
old Cumberland Academy in Kirksville, Rev. J. W. Prince doing the 
preaching. At that time the building was in a very unfinished condi- 
tion; there was no plastering on the walls and the seats were wooden 
slabs nailed on upright pieces and were without backs. Mr. H. F. 
Millan says that men were accustomed to go to the building some time 



116 



History of Adair County. 



in advance of the time of service and whittle on the benches until the 
preacher came. In 1866 and for several years after that, services were 
held in Sherwood's Hall, the second floor of a building which stood just 
east of the Kirksville Savings Bank building. It was while the services 
were being held in this hall that a Methodist society was formed. Among 
the original members were H. F. Millan, O. H. Beeman, W. H. Freeman, 
and R. H. Browne. By August, 1870, at least, the Methodists were using 
the Presbyterian church for their services, but by 1871, they had built 
a brick church on the two lots which they had jnu'chased on the eor- 




M. E. CHrRCH, KntKSVILLK 



ner of Washington and High Stn^ets, and on which the present church 
building stands. This buihUng was dedicated on January 21, 1872. 
Rev. .John Moorehead was the pastor in charge at the imu\ 

The church in Kirksville was not made a station until at least in 
the fall of 1871. Up to that time services were held only once or twice 
a month in Kirksville, the pastor spending the remainder of the time 
at other points on the circuit. It appears that Kirksville has been a 
station nniuiring the entire services of a pastor since 1871. 

The original building was considerably remodeled in 1881-82 at 
an expense of $3,000. But in the course of ten years it became inade- 
quate, and it was decided to erect a larger and more elaborate building. 
The old one was torn down in 1898, and a new one was com))leted at a 
cost of $17,000 and dedicated on March 5, 1899. Rev. David H. Moore 



The Churches. 



117 



of Cincinnati, i)reache(l the dedicatory sermon. Rev. N. P. Tedrick 
was pastor. On the day of dedication it was necessary to raise the def- 
icit amountino- to $(5,200. By extraordinary efforts the amount was 
raised by subscription, but for some cause or other the church is yet 
strugglin<;- with a heavy debt on the building. Recent efforts seem to 
promise the liciuidation of the debt inside a year. 

The JVlissouri Annual Conference has convened in Kirksville four 
times. The first time was March 13-18, 1873, with Bishop Bowman 
presiding; the second time was March 7-12, 1883, with Bishop Andrews 




M. E. Church, Gibbs. 



presiding; the third time was March 29-April 2, 1893, with Bishop Fow- 
ler presiding; and the fourth time was March 14-19, 1900, with Bishop 
Fitzgerald presiding. 

The church in Kirksville celebrated the centennial of Methodism 
in 1884 by holding special services from September 19 to 21. 

The pastors of the Kirksville church since 1865, are as follows: 



1865-66— J. W. Prince. 
1866-68— H. H. Dodd. 
1868-70— John Wayman 
1870-72— John Moorehead. 
1872-74— R. H. Collins. 
1874-76— J. M. Parker. 
1876-79— J. M. Greene. 
1879-80— J. T. Boyle. 
1880-82— J. J. Bentley. 
1882-85— T. J. Wheat. 
1885-87— W. J. Martindale. 



1887-88— J. M. Parker. 
1888-91— J. M. Greene. 
1891-95— John Gillis. 
1895-98— J. T. Pierce. 
1898-99— N. P. Tedrick. 
1899-91— John T. Pierce. 
1901-04— R. L. Thompson. 
1904-06—1. F. Lusk. 
1906-08— F. W. Gee. 
1908-11— B. F. Jones. 



118 History of Adair County. 

Besides the church at Kirksville there are seventeen other M. E. 
Church congregations in the county, arranged in five circuits. They 
are as follows: Greentop Circuit — Bethel, Refuge, and Wilmathville; 
Brashear Circuit — Brashear, Bullion, and Sabbath Home; Gibbs Cir- 
cuit — Gibbs, Wesley Chapel, Cater Memorial and Troy Mills ;Novinger 
Circuit — Novinger and Connelsville; Youngstown Circuit — Youngs- 
town, Union Temple, -Golden Rule, Elm Grove, and Bald Knob. All 
of these congregations have church buildings of their own except Troy 
Mills, Golden Rule and Elm Grove. These three use school houses as 
places of worship. At the present (1911) the Golden Rule and Elm 
Grove classes are arranging to consolidate and build a church at Pure 
Air. 

It has been impossible to get the history of each of the congregations, 
but as far as the facts have been secured they will now be given. 

Brashear. — Exact information has been not secured concerning 
the early history of the M. E. Church in the vicinity of Brashear. Years 
ago there was a circuit called Sand Hill circuit which included Paulville, 
Sand Hill and perhaps some other appointments. After the removal 
of the people from Paulville to Brashear in the early seventies, the name 
of the circuit was changed to Brashear Circuit. The society at Brashear 
was originally the Paulville society. It did not have a church building 
until long after the town of Brashear was established. The meetings 
were held in school houses until April 13, 1884, when the present church 
building, generally known as McCreery Chapel, was dedicated. The 
dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. M. L. Curl. Rev. A. H. 
Collins was pastor at the time when the church was built. It has been 
impossible to get a complete list of the pastors that have served this 
circuit. As far as they were found, they were as follows: 

186G-69— J. Harvey Scott. 1891-92— (Supply). 

1875-76— F. M. Green. 1892-96— A. M. Molesworth. 

1876-77— J. W. Anderson. 1896-97— J. B. Kipple. 

1879-80— S. Carothers. 1897-01— R. Carlyou. 

1881-82— Will Brown. 1901-03— T. C. Taylor. 

1883-85— A. H. Collins. 1 903-04— Benj . Van Dyke. 

1886-87— M. V. Briggs. 1904 07— C. H. Brott. 

1888- 89— W. H. Turner. 1907-09— J. F. Youngman. 

1889-90— J. S. Wilson. 1909-11— T. E. Bostick. 
1890-91— P. St. Clair. 



The Churches. 119 

NoviNGER. — Methodist services were lieUl in uiul uroiuid Novinger 
long ])efore a Methodist church was organized, the preaching being done 
by ministers who were either passing through or who lived in nearby 
conununities. Inasmuch as many of the people in this part of the coun- 
ty were Germans, the earliest Methodist ministers are said to have been 
Germans and preached in German. 

In the early seventies Methodist services were held in what was 
known as the Novinger school house, a quarter of a mile northwest 
from the present limits of Novinger. In this school house revival meet- 
ings were held during the winter whenever a preacher could be gotten. 
One winter a few years after the town of Novinger had been started, 
probably in the early eighties, the revival meetings were held in a work 
shop which had been built by a Mr. Amick on Frankford Avenue in 
Novinger. This shop was used because it was more accessible than the 
school house. However, the school house continued to be used as the 
place for whatever occasional Methodist services were held. It was 
probably about 1885 that a Methodist society was organized. Meetings 
continued to be held in the school house until 1891, when a church build- 
ing was erected. There was considerable debate over the location of 
tills church building. Some wanted it at Novinger and some at the 
graveyard a mile and a half north of Novinger. It was finally decided 
to build at the graveyard. There were as yet very few who foresaw at 
that time the rapid growth that Novinger was destined to undergo, and 
hence the sentiment in favor of the church being near the cemetery 
was strong enough to carry the day against those who favored Novinger. 
Rev. W. H. Doyle was pastor at that time. Father Roselle laid the 
cornerstone on July 27, 1891. 

In 1903, after Novinger had begun to take on rapid growth, the 
Methodists decided to erect a church building in town, and succeeded 
in doing so. On January 29, 1904, they dedicated their town church, 
the Rev. G. W. Hughey of Springfield preaching the dedicatory ser- 
mon. The amount necessary to be raised on the day of dedication 
was $650, and it looked at the close of the morning service as though 
it would not be raised. But by evening the full amount was subscribed 
and the dedication was made. Rev. C. N. Wood was pastor at the time. 
For three years prior to the erection of this building in town, the con- 
gregation used the K. P. Hall, which had been built in 1900. 

The old church building at the graveyard still remains, and is used 
yet on funeral occasions, and was frequently used as a kind of mining 
mission, inasmuch as it is near what is now Midland No. 2. The mis- 
sion work has, however, been given up of late. 



120 



History of Adair County. 



A parsonage was built in Novinger in 1897. Since 1907 Novinger 
and Connelsville liave constituted the only appointments on this cir- 
cuit. 

The pastors since the organization of the society in 1885, have been 
follows, as far as they could be ascertained: 



as 



1886-87— C. N. Thompson. 
1889-93— W. H. Doyle. 
1893-94— W. S. Scull. 
1894-95— D. R. Walker. 
1895-97— M. R. F. Nickell. 
1897-98— H. M. Ingram. 
1898-99— M. R. F. Nickell. 



1900-03— W. H. Doyle. 
1903-05— C. N. Wood. 
1905-07— S. E. Shafer. 
1907-09— D. J. Little. 
1909-10— D. Cunningham. 
1910-11— W. C. Francisco. 




Sabbath Home, M. E. Church. 

Connelsville.— The Methodist church at Connelsville was ded- 
icated May 31, 1908, by Rev. L. C. Sappenfield. 

Sakhatii IIomk. — This is one of the most flourishing country 
Methodist churciies in this i)art of the state. It is situated eight miles 



The Churches. 121 

nortlii^isl from Kirksvillc and five miles north of l^raslicur. The first 
cliiirch huildins was dedicated July 19, 1877 by Rev. F. M. Green. The 
l)res(>iit huikling Avas erected in 1905, during Rev. C. H. Brett's pas- 
torate. 

Bethel. — This church was organized in 1874 by Rev. O. S. Mid- 
dleton. The original membership was made up of a class at Olive Hill 
and at Reed School House. The church building was built in 1874-75. 
It is situated twelve miles northeast of Kirksville. 

Cater Memorial. — This chapel was built at a cost of about $1,500 
in 1896-97, by Rev. E. B. Cater, and was named in his honor. This 
was a very appropriate tribute to his faithful service through thirty-one 
years as a circuit rider in Northern Missoini. Nearly ten of these years 
were spent on circuits in Aclair County. 

Bullion. — This church was dedicated on November 6, 1882. 



B. — Methodist Episcopal Cliurcli, Soutli. 

Kirksville. — The schism which took place in the Methodist 
Church during the forties gave rise to the Southern Methodist Church. 
In Missouri it appears the M. E. Church (commonly called the North- 
ern Methodist Church) was in a dormant condition. During that 
period, however. Southern Methodism was (luite aggressive and estab- 
lished itself in many places firmly and to the exclusion of the other 
branch. It appears that in Adair County the only Methodist churches 
from the time of the split down to the war were Southern. There is no 
evidence that a Northern church was organized until after the war. 

In 1849 there were three Southern Methochst circuits in this part 
of the state, any one of which could have included Kirksville or any 
other appointment in Adair County. They were Milan, Edina and 
Bloomington. But there is no evidence availal>le to show whether 
any Adair County charge was included in any one of these circuits. 
Kirksville is first mentioned in the available records of the appointments 
of Southern Methodist Conferences in the fifties. The charge was then 
spoken of as the Kirksville Mission, and as far as our information goes, 
this is the term applied to the work here down to 1869, and perhaps 
Kirksville Mission included all the work done by the Southern Meth- 
odists in the County. 



122 



History of Adair County. 



The society in Kirksville seems to havt; gone to pieces during the 
war. From the fact that the annual conference continued to assign 
men to the Kirksville Mission even though the societ}^ in town had sus- 
l^ended, it would seem that the work was not entirely suspended through- 
out the countJ^ The Kirksville society was reorganized on Fe})ruary 




M. E. Church, South, Kirksville. 



14, 1872, by Rev. W. J. Jackson, who had been assigned to the Kirks- 
ville Circuit in 1871. He began the work of reorganization l)y holding 
preaching services once a month in the Cumberland Presbyterian church 
in October, 1871. A revival meeting was held in February, 1872, the 
preaching Ix'ing done l)y Rev. J. W. Cunningham of Palmyra. This 
meeting culminated in the definite reorganization of the society on 



The Churches. 123 

February 14, with cij^htccn iiuMulx'rs. T(>u of these eii;hteeu \ver(> from 
Iowa, IncUana, Ilhnois and Ohio. 

Tlie year 1871-72 seems to have been marked l)y considerable re- 
neweil interest in the work of this denomination in the county. Besides 
reviving the society at Kirksville, two new buildings were built and 
dedicated, and over one hundred new members taken in. 

In 1849 J. C. Goode donated two lots on Franklin Street to the 
M. E. Church South in Kirksville, on condition that a house of worship 
should be built and maintained thereon. A church building was par- 
tially erected, but never completed. In 1862-63 this partially completed 
Iniilding was torn down and used for firewood. In 1871 Goode's heirs 
sued for the recovery of the lot on the ground that the church had not 
complied with the original contract. The case was carried up to the 
Supreme Court and was decided in favor of the church. 

On the revival of the Kirksville society in 1872, services were held 
first in the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and later in the M. E. 
church until 1876, when the Free Will Baptist church building was pur- 
chased with the proceeds from the sale of the two lots on Franklin Street 
which had been given the church by J. C. Goode in 1849. This Bap- 
tist church building stood on the site of the present M. E. Church South 
building. It was considerably repaired and opened for regular services 
on May 14, 1876. 

At that time Kirksville Circuit embraced five appointments, all 
east of the St. L., K. C. and N. R. R., now the Wabash. There was 
preaching at all of these points one Sunday in each month, except Kirks- 
ville, which had two services a month. At the close of the conference 
year there were 250 members in the circuit, and fom* good church build- 
ings. 

Late in 1877 the Kirksville church i:)urchased a reed organ. The 
event is worthy of notice because of the editorial comment made upon 
it in the North Missouri Register, a paper published in Kirksville at 
that time. The editorial was as follows: 

"An organ has been placed in the M. E. Church South, for use at 
religious services, in order to conform to the fashion. It may add 
strength, beauty and interest to the musical exercises, but we don't be- 
lieve it. In old times when the congregation 'done' the singing and 
filled the church with the melody of their voices and put their whole 
soul into their singing, there was greater reverence in the worship of 
God." 

Early in June, 1888, plans were laid for the erection of a new church 
building in Kirksville. The old one was sold to John Bernard, who re- 



124 History of Adatr County. 

moved it, and is .said to have used it as fuel in burning brick. The cor- 
nerstone of the new building was laid by Dr. J. D. Vincil on Friday, 
June 23, 1882. The day was a very rainy one, yet ninety Masons are 
said to have participated in the ceremony. The address was delivered 
by Dr. Vincil in the M. E. Church after the stone was laid. The church 
when completed cost about $3,000. 

The pastor at the time of its erection and dedication was A. V. 
Bayley. He seems to have greatly endeared himself to the people of 
the church and town in general during his years of service. When he 
was transferred in the fall of 1883 to another work, a big reception was 
given him by the Magnet Club of Kirksville at the Parcells House. 

The south wing was added to the church building in the summer of 
1895. The parsonage was bought in 1887. 

The pastors of the Kirksville Mission up to the time of the reor- 
ganization of the society at Kirksville in 1871, are, as far as can be as- 
certained, as follows : 

1852-53— Wm. Warren. 1863-64— Walter Toole. 

1856-57— Isaac Naylor. 1866-67— W. Wood. 

1858-59— M. R. Jones. 1867-69— E. Buck. 

Since the reorganization the pastors of the Kirksville church have 
been : 

1871-73— W. J. Jackson. 1889-90— G. E. Tanquory. 

1873-74— C. A. Sherman. 1890-92— F. Marvin. 

1874-75— M. F. Bell. 1893-95—0. B. Holliday. 

1875-76— J. R. A. Vaughn. 1895-96— J. L. Taylor. 

1876-77— John Holland. 1896-98— M. C. Hardin. 

1877-78— C. Cleaveland. 1898-01— A. C. Browning. 

1878-80— J. O. Edmonson. 1901-03— E. D. Watson. 

1880-83— A. V. Bayley. 1903-07— C. N. Broadhurst. 

1883-84— J. 0. Edmonston. 1907-08— C. C. Grimes. 

1884-86— J. E. Squires. 1908-09— J. J. Reed. 

1886-87— J. W. Owen. 1909-10— E. E. Bostwick. 

1887-89— J. W. Keithley. 1910-11— J. D. Randolph. 

It seems that in October, 1885, th(> charge at Kirksville became a 
station and the pastor from that time on has given his entire time to 
the work in that place. 

Brashear. — The M. E. Church, South, at Brashear was organized 
at Paulville in 1848. Mr. and Mrs. John Thrasher, Mr. and Mrs. Mc- 
Dowell and Miss Phoebe Talbot were the original members. It was 
probably at first one of the appointments on the Kirksville Mission 



The Churches. 125 

Circuit, ])ut just when it was detached and made a part of some other 
circuit is not known. Tliis circuit has been known by various names: 
Edina, La Plata, Kirksville, Queen City, Mt. Carmel, and Brashear. 

In 1871 a church building was erected at Paulville, and dedicated on 
November 19 of that year by Rev. J. W. Cunningham, of Palmyra. 
In Ma}^, 1880, the building was removed to Brashear, which had been 
established in 1872, and whose growth killed Paulville. The building 
was repaired and re-opened for services in June. Rev. J. W. Pritchett, 
who was at that time President of Howard-Payne College at Fayette, 
Mo., preached the opening sermon. 

It has been impossible to get the names of all the pastors who have 
served this circuit. As far as they have been ascertained they are as 
follows : 

1885-87— J. T. Kinney. 1900-01— W. E. Tinney. 

1887-88— C. G. Hill. 1901-02— J. T. Hood. 

1892-93— Williams. 1902-06— N. F. Matthews. 

1896-97— L. G. Maggart. 1906-07— G. T. Rolston. 

Trinity. — Trinity- Church was organized in Clay township in 1871 
by Rev. W. J. Jackson. There were about six members in the original 
class, among whom were Mr. and Mrs. Hezekiah Lyon and Mr. and 
Mrs. Henry Atkins. A church building was erected in 1872 in the 
northwestern part of Clay township. It cost $1,000, and after it was 
blown down by the storm of 1878 it was rebuilt at a further cost of 
$675. The dedicatory sermon w^as preached by Rev. J. W. Cunning- 
ham of Palmyra, on June 23, 1872. This charge was originally on the 
Kirksville circuit, but has been on the Brashear circuit since Kirksville 
was made a station. 

Besides the three Southern Methodist churches that have been 
described, there is one at Gibbs and another in Clay township called 
Curtis. No information has been secured concerning them. 



C. — United Brethren Church. 

Brashear. — The U. B. church at Brashear dates l)ack far beyond 
the founding of the town of Brashear. In 1859, at the first session of 
the Missouri Conference which convened at Atlanta, Rev. W. H. Burns 
was assigned for the ensuing year to Atlanta Circuit. This circuit in- 
ckided the class known as the Paulville or the White School House 
class. This class went by these two names because it used a hall at 



The Churches. 127 

Paulvillc and the White school house, near what is now Brasliear, as 
meeting phices. The original members of this class were L. Preston, 
Mary Preston, Henry Garlock, A. Seibert, F. Seibert, Mary Groolaigh, 
W. F. Eagle, Mary Eagle, Maria A. Eagle, Peter Kunkle and Margaret 
Kunkle. 

This congregation had no churcii Iniilding of its own until 1873. 
By that time Brashear had been founded and it was decided to build at 
that place. After encountering many difficulties, the members of this 
church organization were able to dedicate a church building costing 
over $1,750. The decUcation occurred on August 17, 1873. Bish- 
op Glossbrenner preached the sermon. The occasion was long remem- 
l)ered in Brashear and the county because of the immense crowd that 
attended; a special train from Kirksville brought a large number of 
]:)eople. The editor of the North Missouri Register went along, and 
in commenting on the services expressed his thanks that there was no 
organ nor paid clioir to mar the beautiful simplicity of the occasion. 

Prior to the l)uilding of the church in Brashear, the U. B.'s had 
accustomed for several years to hold annual camp meetings in the Salt 
River bottom a c^uarter of a mile southwest of what is now Brashear. 
These were largely attended. They were discontinued when the church 
building was erected in 1873. The revival meetings that have had the 
most marked influence on the church since that time were the Little 
meetings in 1890, and the Retry meetings in 1906 and 1908. 

The present church building was erected in 1908, and dedicated 
by Dr. T. D. Criks, President of Campbell College of Kansas, on Decem- 
ber 6, 1908. It is valued at .^5,000. The membership in 1909 was 160. 

The pastors of the Brashear Circuit have been: 

1859-62— W. H. Burns. 1885-87— U. O. Deputy. 

1862-64— Daniel Forbes. 1887-89— Adolph Fisher. 

1864-66— J. T. Timmons. 1889-90— S. T. Wallace. 

1866-67— C. C. Philips. 1890-92— D. H. Bruner. 

1867-69— W. G. Grey. 1892-93— E. L. Joslin. 

1869-70— W. P. Shankhn. 1893-95— W. L. Scull. 

1870 71— Chas. Hibbard. 1895-98— S. R. Dillman. 

—John Estep. 1898-00— O. P. Garlock. 

1871-72— B. J. Murray. 1900-01~D. M. Harvey. 

— Jas. Herbert. 1901-03— L. D. Neher. 

1872-76— A. D. Thomas. 1903-04— G. B. Clay. 

1876-77- -T. S. Downey. 1904-05— R. H. Beck. 

1877-83— J. W. Pulley. 1904-07— J. W. Penn. 

1883-84— U. P. Wardruff. 1907-10— Chaster Young. 

1884-85— Jas. Herbert. 1910-11— A. C. Tudor. 



128 History of Adair County. 

The Missouri Annual Conference of this church has convened at 
Brashear four cUfferent times: in 1874, with Bishop Glossbrenncn- pre- 
siding; in 1883, with Bishop E. B. Kephart, presiding; in 1887, with 
Bishop J. Weaver presiding; and in 1896, with Bishop J. S. Mills pre- 
siding. 

GiBBS. — The U. B. church at Gibbs was originally the Pleasant 
View church, which was organized in February 1868 l)y Rev. W. G. 
Grey. The original members were Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Sanborn, Mr. 
and Mrs. Begole, Amanda Houston, Mary Houston, D. P. Houston, 
Wm. Houston, John McDowell, Joseph McDowell, Harriett McDowell, 
Mr. and Mrs. Moses Johnson, Benjamin Young, and Mr. and Mrs Jas. 
Gunning. The first house of worship was situated in section 10, town- 
ship 61, range 14, a short distance northwest of what is now Gibbs. 
It was erected in 1878 at a cost of $1,150, and was dedicated in Novem- 
ber, 1879, by Bishop Wright. 

In 1889 the United Brethren throughout the entire denomination 
became divided over the question regarding secret societies, and two 
denominations resulted. Those favoring secret societies were called 
Liberals, and those opposing Radicals. Many a congregation was split 
wide open, and two separate congregations were formed where originally 
there was only one. 

The Pleasant View church was one of the congregations that di- 
vided. In June, 1895, the Liberals moved the church building to Gibbs, 
which had come into existence since the building of the Santa Fe Rail- 
road in 1887. The courts had given them the title to the l)uilding. It 
was rededicated by Prof. Reese of the New York College of Nebraska, 
on December 1, 1895. In 1906 another and better church building 
was erected and this was rededicated l)y Bisliop Weakley of Des Moines, 
on December 30, 1906. 

The Radicals of the original Prarie Mew congregation ])roceeded to 
l)uil(l another building after the Lil)erals had moved the first church 
building to (Jibbs. It was erected at Prairie Bird and was dedicated 
in November, 189(), by Bishop Ilalleck Flo^'d of Dublin, Indiana. 

The congregations at Gibbs and Prairie View have no business 
affiliations. Th(\v l)elong to separat(> denominations. A. C. Tudor 
is pastoi' of the Gibbs church, and J. G. (iai'lock of the Prairie Bend 
Chapel. 

There is another U. B. church at (ireen Grov(s in Nineveh township, 
and still another six miles northeast of Kirksx'illc, which was buill in 



The Churches. 129 

1895. Evidently an attempt was nuule to organize a society in Kirks- 
ville in 1894, but without success. 

D. — Baptist Church (Missionary). 

Bear Creek. — The oldest Baptist society in Adair County is the 
Bear Creek church. This was organized in 1840 by Rev. Talbot Hight. 
The original members were Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Barnes, Eliza Hibbard, 
Nancy Hibbard, and Nancy Myers. In the course of time a church 
building was erected three and a half miles north of Kirksville. By this 
time the Colletts, Hustons, Lloyds, Willises, Ashers, and Conners were 
members. 

This church has maintained a continuous organization down to 
the present. Data concerning its more recent history are wanting. 

Kirksville. — Very little is known about the Baptist Church in 
Kirksville prior to the war. Tradition says that it was dislianded 
during the war, but no record of its work has survived. 

In 1868 the church in Kirksville was reorganized. The place of 
meeting was a long low one story building which stood on the northeast 
corner of Buchanan and Florence Streets. It had been ])uilt in 1858 
by Prof. W. P. Nason and had been used by him as a school building 
up to 1862. 

The members at the time of reorganization were Mr. and Mrs. W. 
A. Foster, Mr. and Mrs. Marion Barnes, Mrs. A. P. Willard, Mr. and 
Mrs. Lewis W. Link, Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Link, Mr. and Mrs. George 
Shotwell, Mrs. Mary Bond, Mrs. Leisure, and Mr. Henry Cooper. The 
pastor was Rev. J. A. Pool. 

In 1870 Rev. J. H. Terrill became pastor, and for a while the church 
appeared to prosjK^r. A number of prominent jieople became identi- 
fied with the church, among whom were the Halladays, Ileses, Rays, 
Franklands, and Nortons. Plans were made for erecting a new church, 
and lots at the corner of McPherson and High Streets were bought and 
a brick building begun in June, 1872. The building was completed and 
occupied by the following January. Like most all churches, this one 
was finished with a great debt hanging over it. Financial difficulties 
compelled the church to give up its l)uilding. At that time the Cum- 
l;)erland Presbyterian church had a frame church building at the cor- 
ner of Franklin and Illinois Stre(>ts. Arrangements were made for the 
exchange of this building for the Baptist church building, the Cumberland 
Presbyterians paying SI, 650 additional. The exchange was made in 
December, 1877. 




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The Churches. 131 

The financial loss which had been sustained was very discouraging, 
hut the members began to plan and iiope for better things, and by 1896 
their hopes were realized. Two lots were bought at the corner of Wash- 
ington and Marion Streets, and a fine brick l)uilding was erected there- 
on. The church was occupied in November, 1897, but it was not dcd- 
icat(Hl imtil some time later because all the indebtedness was not cov- 
ered by subscriptions at the time it was completed. The total cost of 
the l)uilding and lots was -18,600. The pastor at the time was Rev. 
S. H. Morgan, to whom the congregation ascribed a great deal of the 
credit for the success of the undertaking. 

I'his building was burned on Sunday, January 9, 1910. The even- 
ing services had begun when it was discovered that the building was on 
fire. Tlic congregation was immediately dismissed, and in an hour 
nothing })ut the walls remained. 

.Irrangements were immediately made for the use of the First 
Presl)yterian church building across the street from the post office, 
until the burned building could be rebuilt. The work on the recon- 
structed building was completed in February, 1911, and was dedicated 
on the 22nd of that month by Rev. W. J. WilUamson of St. Louis. Some 
changes were made in the plans of the old luiilding l^y way of making 
it larger and arranging for some extra accommodations. The cost of 
re])uilding was about S12,000, all of Avhich was covered by sul^scrip- 
tions some days before the dedication. 

The pastors since the reorganization of the church have been: 

1868-70— J. H. Pool. 1893-96— S. H. Morgan. 

1870-78— J. H. Terrill. 1897-01— M. A. Simmons. 

1878-80— J. C. Shipp. 1901-02— 0. M. Brownson. 

1880-87— W. E. Chambliss. 1903-06— H. A. Weeks. 

1887-90— Ray Palmer. 1906 09— H. J. Everly. 

1891-92— W. H. Sawyer. 1909 11— W. H. Stone. 

1892-93— W. S. Walker. 

The Missouri Baptist Association has convened at least once in 
Kirksville, and that was in October, 1898. 

NoviNGER. — The Baptist Church of Novinger has a unicjue his- 
t(jry among the churches of the county. It was organized by Rev. 
Joe P. Jacobs in the winter of 1901-02, as the result of a series of revival 
meetings which he conducted in a Cospel Car called "The Messenger 
of Peace," sent out by the American Baptist Publication Society'. This 
car was fitted up with pulpit, chairs, organ and other equipment of a 
chapel, and was sent from place to place to carry on revival meetings 



132 History of Adair County. 

and organize Baptist churches. It stood on a switch in Novinger for 
some weeks and the meetings held in it were well attended. A Baptist 
society of fifteen or twenty members was organized at the close of the 
meetings and a church building erected in 1902. 

The pastors have been: 

1902-04— J. Frank Moore. 1908-09— A. R. Jones. 

1905- ~C. M. Benight. 1909-11— C. C. Cunningham. 

1905-08— Whittenbraker. 

For the past two years the church has been able to employ a pas- 
tor who gives his entire time to the work there. It also has two lady 
missionaries who are busy ministering to those in need of their assist- 
ance in Novinger and the mining camps near by. 

Millard. — In 1860 there was organized the Dover Baptist Church 
among the people living on the east fork of the Chariton south of Kirks- 
ville. Among the members were the Musicks, Ryans, Cunninghams, 
and Costellos. Shortly after the town of Millard was laid out this 
society removed to that place and was known as the Millard Baptist 
Church. By 1890 the society was disbanded, part of the meml)ership 
going to La Plata and part to Kirksville. 

Besides the Baptist churches that have been described, there are 
several others in the county concerning which no data have been se- 
cured. Of these three are in Clay township; one at Sperry, another is 
in the southwest corner (Hazel Green), and the third is in the southeast 
corner. There is one at old Wilsontown in Wilson township, and an- 
other called Morris Church in southeastern Walnut. 

E. Baptist Church (Free Will). 

The l^ai)tist churches whose history has been outlined are Mission- 
ary Bai^tists, to distinguish them from Free Will Baptists. The dis- 
tinctive difference between the two branches pertains to the communion ; 
the former believes and practices close communion, the latter open 
connnunion. 

There iirv at present at least four different congregations of Frec^ 
Will Baptists in the county: Jewell, seven miles northwest of Kirks- 
ville; Connelsville; Bethel, west of Connelsvilh^ and Sublette. 

At one time a Free Will Bai)tist society existed in Kii'ksville. It 
was organized June 1, 180"), l)y Rev. J. H. Wesscher, with James Hayes, 
Phoebe Hayes, Wm. Smith, Jane Sinitii, Minemoh Smith, Mary Smith, 



The Churches. 133 

J. McMorrow, Eleanor Dciniis, Charles Scovillc, Nancy Scoville, (iuy 
Chandler, Sarah Chandler, Eliza Middleton, H. Younjj;, Mrs. W. N. 
Wesseher, Mary Jones, Gary Ferguson, Nell Matthews, Mrs. Dunham, 
and Jui)iter Webb (a negro) as members. This society erected a church 
building on the site of the present Southern Methodist Church build- 
ing, in May, 1865, and this is said to have been the first church building 
erected in the town. All church organizations had prior to this held 
their services in the court house or school houses. 

Considerable efforts were made to make this part of the state as 
kind of center for Free Will Baptists. Rev. Wesseher, Immigration 
Agent for the Free Will Baptist Association of Adair and Schuyler 
Counti(>s, sent out a circular letter in 1868, setting forth the advantages 
of this region and inviting people of his faith to come and settle here. 
He got in reply several letters from parties saying they were coming. 
It is evident, however, that a large number did not come, for after a few 
years more the church succumbed. The disbandment occurred in 
1872, and the building was sold in 1875 to the Southern Methodists. 
When the latter got ready later on to build a brick building, they sold 
the one they had bought from the Baptists to a man named Bernard, 
who moved it away and used it up as fuel in burning brick. 

The pastors during the period from 1868 to 1872 were J. H. Wes- 
seher, — Cooley, D. C. Miller, and A. Sell. 

F. — Christian Churcli or Disciples. 

KiRKSViLLE. — The Christian Church in Kirk.sville has, according 
to trachtion, a history reaching back to the winter of 1845-46. At that 
time E. H. Lossen and Jeremiah Prather organized a society in Kirks- 
ville, with the following persons as the original members: William 
Ivie, John Galyen, Nelson Grogan, Bartlett Asher, Arthusa Bonham, 
Mr. and Mrs. George Rice, Mr. and Mrs. John Rice, Mr. and Mrs. 
Wm. Linder, Mrs. Sloan, Mrs. Stacy Grogan, Mrs. Jacob Linder, Mrs. 
Andrew Linder, Isham B. Dodson, James Dodson, Nancy J. Dodson, 
Hulda Dodson, and Mary Sloan. 

The society was thirty years in acquiring a church building of its 
own. Until the war broke out the court house was used; but after that 
was closed to all religious services, the members of this society met 
at different places until it was completely disorganized. 

In 1865 the society was reorganized by Rev. D. M. Kinter. Re- 
vival meetings were held and about forty members were added. The 
question of a meeting house proved troublesome. It was not possible 



134 



History of Adair County. 



to erect a suital)le l)uilding and so arrangements were made for the use 
of a l)uilding known as the Cmnberland Academy. This building had 
been started in 1860 by the Kirksville Presbytery of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church, but owing to the outbreak of the war, work was 
suspended on it before it was finished. The Presbytery sold it in P\^b- 
ruary, 1865 to D. S. Hooper,- Samuel Reed, Jr., Nelson Grogan and 
Abraham Wolf. These men in turn sold it in March, 1865 for -SI, 500 
to a stock company composed of men who belonged to the newly reor- 
ganized Christian Church. This company offered the use of this build- 
ing for church services to the church without charge. It is said that 




Christian Chitkcii, Kirksvillk. 



they had l)()ught the ])uilding with the expectation that some day the 
church would buy it from them. But when it appeared the church did 
not nitcnd doing this, the stock company l)egan to look around for a 
renter. In February, 1867, they found one in the person of J. Bald- 
win of Indiana, who began in the fall of that year the North Missouri 
Normal School, which grew in three years and a half into the ])resent 
State Normal School. The congregation continued apparently to hold 
services in this building after the Normal Scliool oiicnied u)), down to at 
least January, 1871, when the school became a stat(> institution. The 



The Churches. 135 

congiTiititioii seems tlieii to have rented the Free Will Baptist church, 
which stood on the site of the present M. E. Church South. This was 
used until 1876. 

In 1872 the church seems to have been th()rous>hly reorganized, 
with President J. Baldwin, A. J. Knight, John Richey, J. D. Gardner, 
and C. H. Dutcher as elders, and G. W. Edwards, L. D. Noblett and 
W. E. Coleman as deacons. 

In 1876 the congregation erected a building on the site of the pres- 
ent Christian church. The lot had been purchased in 1871, but no ef- 
forts were made at erecting a building until September, 1875. This 
Iniilding was completed a few months later and dedicated on P'ebruary 
13, 1876, by Rev. Dr. Hobson of Canton. In 1900 this building was 
remodeled and a large wnng was added to the south. The church w^as 
therefore rededicated on December 9, 1900, Elder J. H. Garrison of St. 
Louis, preaching the dedicatory sermon. The improvements cost 
$6,500. On the day of dedication enough had not been subscribed by 
$2,200 to cover this amount. iVt the morning service only $1,700 was 
raised. The remaining deficit was secured by subscriptions at the 
night service. The dedicatory ceremony was celebrated in the after- 
noon at a general mass meeting of all the churches. 

Trouble has arisen at least twice between the congregation and the 
pastors. In 1885 trouble arose between the elders and the pastor A. 
Russell. Three arbiters were called in to adjust matters and are said 
to have decided the trouble in favor of the pastor. 

In 1906 there occurred a schism in the congregation owdng to some 
differences of opinion regarding the pastor, G. W. Thompson. When 
he was asked to resign the faction that supported him withdrew 
and organized another congregation, which took the name of Central 
( 'hristian Church. A lot w^as bought and preparations begun for erect- 
ing a church building. Services were held for a while in the Harring- 
ton Theater, with the Rev. Mr. Thompson as the pastor. But the at- 
tempt failed owdng to the smallness of the congregation, and practically 
all the seceding faction returned to the original congregation in the course 
of a few years. 

The records show that in 1872 the membership was 25; in 1884, 
150; and in 1910, 600. The pastorate of U. M. Browder was marked 
by an unusually large increase in the membership. During his two 
years of service, 1889-91, 237 WTre added to the church, of which num- 
ber 117 were baptized. 

It has been impossible to secure the names of all the pastors. Of 
those who served prior to the war the following have been ascertained: 



136 History of Adair County. 

E. H. Lessen, Jeremiah Prather, Allen Wright, — White, A. P. Davis, 

Thos. Allen, Jacob Creath, antl — Donan. 

The pastors since 1865 and their terms of service as far as could 
be ascertained, are as follows: 

1865-69— D. M. Kinter. 1885-89— Simpson Ely. 

1869-70— E. C. Browning. 1889-91— U. M. Browder. 

1870-72— J. A. Heddington. 1891-92— G. H. Laughlin. 

1872- — C. P. Hollis. 1892-94— Davis Errett. 

W. A. Northcutt. 1894-95— Sherman Kirk. 

C. P. Hollis. 1895-99— Simpson Ely. 

A. Russell. 1899-05— H. A. Northcutt. 

S. H. Hedrix. 1905-06— G. W. Thompson. 

Geo. E. Dew. 1906-09— D. A. Wickizer. 

J. C. Reynolds. 1909 11— E. J. Willis. 
1884-85— J. W. Davis. 

Brashear. — The Christian Church in Brashear was established in 
1890, through the efforts of a few of that denomination who had come 
to that place and had not affiliated with any other church. They called 
in help, and through the assistance of Evangelists J. M. Hoffman and 
P. D. Holloway, succeeded in getting an organization effected. From 
1890 to 1897 the congregation met in other churches, school house or 
hall. In 189() the Brashear Academy building which had just been 
abandoned for school })urposes, was bought and remodeled, and in the 
next year was dedicated. Rev. W. A. Hamilton was pastor at the time. 

The pastors have been as follows : 

1890 91— J. C. McQuary. 1901-02— R. A. Martin. 

1891-92— J. C. Rick. 1902-04— D. R. Renter. 

1892-93— A. D. Veatch. 1905-07— J. L. Hollowell. 

1893-94— B. F. Huthutt. 1908-09— C. E. Hunt. 

1893-97— W. A. Hamilton. 1910-11— J. E. Hollowell. 

1897-98— A. D. (Mark. 

The membership at the time of organization, 1890, was ten. At 
present it is about one hundred. 

GiBBS. — The Christian Church at (iibbs was organized March 1, 
1905, by Elder J. L. Hollowell, with a charter membership of twenty- 
six. For the first two months the congregation used a store building, 
and then rentetl a hall which was used for two years. A church build- 
ing was then begun and was used in an unfinished condition for about 
two years. It was completed and dedicated by Elder K. M. Richmond 



The Churches. 137 

on Aujiust 29, 190*,). Tlic l)uil(lin<;- is a very neat villa<;(' cliufcli, better 
by far tliaii the usual village churches 

The pastors have been: J. L. Hollowell, D. M. Kinter, (J. E. 
Hunt, and J. M. Harris. The membership is now sixty-two. 

Illinois Bend. — The Illinois Bend Christian Church Avas organ- 
ized l)y Elder J. W. Davis on November 28, 1885, with seventeen char- 
ter members. The building they use is nominally a Union church which 
was built in 1884. Four denominations were interested in erecting it, 
but the only one that has grown and prospered is the Christian Church, 
so that the members of that congregation practically own it. They own 
the furniture and repair the building. The membership has grown 
until it is about 150 at present. 

Besides J. W. Davis, J. M. Smith, H. R. Trickett, L. H. Harboard, 
A. Munyon, J. L. HoUowell, have served as pastors. The present pas- 
tor is J. Morgan Harris. 

There is a Christian Church at Star, but no facts concerning it are 
available. 

G. — Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 

KiRKSViLLE. — The Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Kirks- 
ville was organized on May 25, 1846, by Rev. James Dysart, with J. T. 
Smith, David James, Elmer James, G. E. Bushnell and Helen Bush- 
nell as members. The initiative in this was taken by David 'James 
and J. T. Smith. Both of these men had belonged to the Eldad Cum- 
berland Presbyterian Church in Randolph County, and after getting in 
Adair County they decided to organize a church of that denomination 
in their new home. They interested Geo. E. Bushnell and his wife, 
who moved from Ohio to their neighborhood in 1845, in their plans, 
and though the Bushnells had been Methodists in Ohio, they decided 
on reading the confession of faith of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
Church, they could join James and Smith in organizing a church of 
that faith. Word was sent to Rev. James Dysart of College Mound, 
Mo., and on his coming up the work of organization was effected in the 
original court house of Adair County, which stood on the northwest 
corner of the square where the National Bank of Kirksville now stands. 

The membership grew very slowly, and of course the society was too 
weak to have a regular circuit rider. Visiting preachers afforded all 
the preaching that was done for many years. Among these were B. 



138 



History of Adair County. 



F. Caldwell, J. C. Davidson, James Dysart and J. B. Mitchell. A note- 
worthy revival was held in 1854 in the court house which stood in the 
public square and which was ])urned in 18(55; through this revival the 
menilxn-ship was increased to 68. This serves to mark the beginning of 
the employment of a regular preacher, for in that year Rev. S. C. David- 
son was employed to preach once a month. Affairs seemed to be pros- 
perous, for in 1857 the congregation employed Rev. J. E. Sharp to 
preach every Sunday. Moreover, the Kirksville Presbytery established 




C. 1'. CHrUCH, KlHKSN ILLK. 

(Presbj^tcrian sincH; the union in 19()G.) 



a school in Kirksville which was called the Cumberland Academy, and 
a building for the school and for church services also was begun. But 
the war which came on put a chcH'k to all this activity, and for several 
years there were no jireacliing s(M'vices at all, and the project for a school 
was abandoned. 

The churcii was reorganized in 18()8 largely Uirough the leadersjiip 
of Rev. (5. W. Sharp, who is yet living in Kirksville. A church building 
was erect(Ml that year on the corner of Franklin and Illinois Streets, 
and d(>dicat('(l the last Sunday in Deceml)er by Hev. .1. B. Mitchell of 



The Churches. 139 

College Mound. Tiie revivals which cuine tli(> following year added 
over one hundred to the membership. During the year, Prof. W. P. 
Nason and several others left the Presbyterian Church and joined the 
Cumberland Presbyterians because they could no longer support vcv- 
tain doctrines upheld by that church. 

The year 1877 seems to mark considerable prosperity on the part 
of this congregation. The finances were such as to enable the church 
to employ the entire services of their pastor, J. B. Mitchell, and in De- 
cem])er of that year they bought the building which the Baptists had 
built in 1872 on the corner of McPherson and High Streets, giving in 
exchange therefor their building on Franklin Street and $1,600 in ad- 
dition, $1,000 of which was given by W. T. Baird. This building was 
repaired and dedicated July 7, 1878, by Rev. D. E. Bushnell of San 
Jose, California. Services had been held in it, however, with the ex- 
ception of a short time when closed for repairs, ever since it had been 
acquired the preceding December. This building was repaired several 
times during the eighties, but it was found desirable to remodel and 
enlarge it in 1897. It was rededicated on December 12 of that year 
l)y Dr. W. H. Black, President of Missouri Valley College. There were 
present at the service two of the former pastors, G. W. Sharp and J. B. 
Mitchell, and also W. P. Nason, who supplied the church as preacher 
for a short time in the earh^ seventies. The building committee reported 
the expenditure of over $6,000 in the remodeling of the church and the 
collection of the entire amount pledged to cover the expenditures ex- 
cept $15. Rev. M. W. Pressly was pastor at the time. 

The fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the church was cel- 
ebrated by special services on October 4, 1896. In the morning a spe- 
cial sermon was prached by Rev. G. W. Sharp, one of the early pastors, 
and the communion was administered by Rev. J. B. Mitchell, another 
one of the early pastors. In the evening a program of a more varied 
and historical character was rendered. One of the most interesting 
features was that of the roll call of the first five members of 1846. As 
the names of these persons were called, Dr. Mitchell responded with a 
brief character sketch of each. Mr. W. T. Baird also read letters from 
John T. Smith, Geo. E. Bushnell and D. E. Bushnell. The first two 
were among the five original members, and their letters were in refer- 
ence to the invitation to be present at the anniversary^ exercises. Be- 
fore the anniversary came, Mr. Smith had died. D. E. Bushnell was the 
son of Geo. E. Bushnell, and had joined the church here in 1857. He- 
afterwards entered the ministry and became one of the strongest preach- 
ers in that denomination in the entire country. 



140 History of Adair County. 

In 1906 the Cunil)erland Presley terians and the Presl^yterians 
united, and have ever since remained as one congregation. A full ac- 
count of this will be given in the section dealing with the Presbyterian 
church. 

The Kirksville Cumberland Presbyterian chureli entertained the 
McAdow Synod at least once. In October, 1877, that Synod held its 
annual session in Kirksville. At that time there were three different 
Synods in the state of Missouri. In 1885, however, all these were united 
into one Synod, which was thereafter known as the Synod of Missouri. 
This Synod convened at least once in Kirksville, and that was in 
October, 1901. 

The pastors from the time they were first employed down to the 
suspension during the war, were: 

1854-57— S. C. Davidson. 1857--61— J. E. Sharp. 

The pastors since the reorganization were: 

1868-70— G. W. Sharp. 1893-96— J. M. McKnight. 

1870-71— W. P. Nason. 1896-97— M. W. Pressly. 

1871-75— G. W. Sharp. 1898-06— W. L. Darby. 

1875-93— J. B. Mitchell. 

As far as is known, Dr. Mitchell's term of service as pastor in Kirks- 
ville is longer than that of any other pastor in the town. When he 
withdrew from active service in 1893 the Ministers' Alliance of the city 
expressed their appreciation of his labors in fitting resolutions. 

Mr. W. T. Baird was clerk of the session continuously from 1868 
to the time of the union in 19()(). 

Mount Moriah. — Two miles southwest of Novinger stands the 
Mount Moriah Presbyterian church, formerly a Cumberland Presl)y- 
terian church. This was built in 1891 at about the same time the Meth- 
odist church north of Novinger was erected. It seems that this Mount 
Moriah church was the result of the failure to make the Methodist 
church north of Novinger a union church. Prominent among those 
who opposed a union church and favored separate churches, was G. W. 
Novinger, to whom it was largely due that the Mount Moriah church 
was organized and the building erected. 

MuLHKKiiY. — The Mulberry Cumberland Presbyterian church was 
organized March 11, 1886, ])y Rev. J. B. Kelso, with an original member- 
ship of about twenty-five. A house of worship was erected at once 
in section 11, t(jwnshii) 63, range 1(), near the town of Fegley. 



The Churches. 141 

Concord. — The Coucofd Cumberland Pr(\sl)yt('i-ian cluu'ch was 
orsanixed some time during the eif2;hties, but no further information has 
l)een seeured. 

Besides these four Cuml)erland Presbyterian churches whicli have 
been described, there were several others which Uved for a sliort time. 
Among them were those of Fairview, Troy Mills, Salt River, New Hope, 
Pleasant View, and perhaps others. 

All the churches in existence in 1906 went into the union of the 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Northern Presbyterian 
Church, so that they are all now Presbyterian societies. 

H. — Presbyterian Church. 

KiRKSViLLE. — The First Presbyterian Church of Kirksville was 
organized in 1859 by the Revs. H. P. S. Willis and Andrew Greenlee 
of the Palmyra Presbytery, with fifteen members. John Baird, Sr., 
W. P. Nason, and J. H. Myers were chosen as ruling elders. The preach- 
ing for the first year was done by visiting preachers, among whom were 
Rev. Willis. In 1860 Rev. Cameron supplied the pulpit, and continued 
through the year imtil the fall when, owing to the war, all religious ser- 
vices were suspended. Up to this time all the services had been held 
in Prof. Nason's school house, which stood on the corner of Buchanan 
and Florence Streets. 

In the fall of 1865 an effort at a reorganization of the society was 
made, with Rev. James as supply preacher, but matters apparently did 
not go well. In June, 1866, Rev. J. S. Bryant and Rev. George Van 
Emman effected an organization that has remained permanent. The 
society started out with twenty-two members, and with Rev. Boyd as 
pastor. The following were the members at the time: Benjamin 
Prior, Rachel Prior, W. P. Nason, J. H. Uber, Chloe Uber, B. N. Uber, 
.Jane Uber, George Frankenburg, Lucinda Frankenburg, Ella Harris, 
R. Voorhies, Sidard Naylor, Eliza Voorhies, Alexander Cross, Martha 
Cross, Mary Cross, Catherine Powell, J. P. Beatty, Del)orah Pierce, 
David Baird, Catherine Baird, and E. J. Boyd. Benjamin Prior, W. 
P. Nason, and George Frankenburg were elected ruling elders. 

Plans were soon made for a church building, but it was not until 
1869 that they were realized. Meanwhile, services were held in the old 
Cumberland Academy in 1865-66; in Sherwood's Hall in 1866-67, and 
in the Baptist church in 1867-68. Work on the new building began 
in May, 1868, and was completed in June, 1869, at a cost of $4,000. 



142 



History of Adair County. 



This stood where tlie unoccupied Pres])yteriun church l)uilding- now stands 
across the street from the post office. The congregation occupicnl it in 
January, when it was far from completed. The dechcation occurred 
on July 11, 1869. Rev. J. S. Boyd was pastor at the time. 

The building was repaired during the eighties at a cost of $500. 
This added to the indeljtedness which the church was already' carrying 
from the cost of original construction, and it was not until 1890 that the 




Presbyterian Church, Khiksvillb. 
UnoccupioHl since the union in 1906. 



debt was completely i)aid out. (_)n April 2i), 1892, it was completely 
burned to the ground. The loss included a pijie organ. At the time 
when it was destroyed it was the oldest church building in Kirksville. 
Efforts were immediately begun foi- the rebuilding of the church. 
The congregation secured the "Opera House" for their services while 
they were without a church home. Tlu^ cornerstone was laid on August 
8, 1892 at seven ]). m. The address on that occasion was delivered by 
Rev. Duncan Brown of Macon. The church was completed in due time 
and Avas dedicated on Monday, March 18, 1893, by Rev. J. H. Brookes. 
During the service a historical sketch of ihv church wns read by S. S. 
McLaughlin, and a hvnm, the words and music of which ut're com- 



The Churches. 143 

posed l)y Rev. J. 8. Boyd, the first pastor after the reorganization in 
1866, was sung by tlieir congregation. This building, which is still 
standing, cost .|10,()()0. The equipment included a fine pipe organ. 
Rev. M. H. Bradley was pastor at the time. 

In 1906 the Cumberland Presbyterian and First Presbyterian 
'churches in Kirksville were united. This was in pursuance of the ac- 
tion taken by the General Assemblies of the Cuml^erland Presbyterian 
and the Northern Presbyterian Churches, and ratified by the Presby- 
teries of those two denominations. 

The w^ay towards an amiable union of the local churches was opened 
by the resignation of Rev. W. L. Darby, of the Cumberland Presbyte- 
rian church, just at the time the organic union of the two denominations 
had been ordered. The first step taken was an invitation issued to 
the Cumberland Presbyterian church by the Presbyterian church to 
join them in their services. The invitation was accepted and a tenta- 
tive union was ac^cepted for six months. During these six months the 
services Avere held in the Presl^yterian Church. At the end of that time 
the ciuestion as to whether the union should become permanent was 
voted upon ])y the congregations separately, and it was carried almost 
imanimously. It was decided then to hold the services thereafter in 
the old Cumberland Presbyterian church building. Rev. W. C. Tem- 
pleton was pastor at the time of the imion and has been ever since. 

The Presbyterian Synod of Missouri has convened in Kirksville 
at least three times: in October, 1874; in October, 1888, and in Oc- 
tober, 1909. 

Two Mission Sunday Schools were organized in 1909 by this church. 
One is located on Centennial Avenue and the other on West Patterson 
Avenue. These are the only Mission Sunday Schools in Kirksville at 
present. 

^ The pastors of this church since its reorganization have been as 
follows : 

1868-85— J. S. Boyd. 1889-99— M. H. Bradley. 

1885-87— G. W. Williamson. 1900-01— J. A. Smith. 

1887-89— F. R. Farrand. 1901-11— W. C. Templet on. 

Millard. — The Presbyterian Church at Millard was organized 
in June, 1870, by Rev. J. S. Boyd of Kirksville. Its original member- 
ship seems to have been made up of persons who had belonged to the 
Kirksville congregation, iDut who desired a separate organization in the 
neighl^orhood where they lived. The original members were: Mary 
Barr, Agnes Barr, Samuel Barr, John Calvin, Mary Dean, R. P. Elliott, 



144 History of Adair County. 

Nancy Elliott, M. B. Foncannon, Julia S. Foncannon, David (xrant, 
Caroline Grant, Eliza Grant, and Mary Long. In 1873-74 a church 
building was erected at a cost of $1,000. For twenty years or more 
the Kirksville pastor served this congregation at least once a month. 

I. — Episcopalian Cliurcli. 

Kirksville. — Trinity Protestant Church was organized about 
1870. Episcopal services had been held occasionally in time prior to 
that year. A Rev. Mr. Striker is mentioned as having held such ser- 
vices in March, 1869, but nothing was done until 1870 towards definite 
organization. The work of organization seems to have been done by 
Rev. Benjamin Sheetz and Rev. Ethelbert Talbot. The latter was then 
rector at Macon and has long been Bishop. Among the original mem- 
bers were Mr. and Mrs. Charles Strong, Mr. Strong's mother, Mrs. J. 
M. De France, Mr. and Mrs. John Scovern, Mrs. F. A. Grove, G. W. 
Browning, J. C. Thatcher, Alanson Morris, and Mrs. J.A.Hope. Ser- 
vices were held in different places, such as the old Normal School l)uil(l- 
ing (the former Cumberland Academy) and Trueman's Hall. In 1870 
the present frame church building was erected on Mulanix and Harrison 
Streets. It cost $1,200, and the seating and other equipment $300 
more. The task of raising the money fell chiefly on Mrs. De France 
and Mrs. Scovern. The lot was donated by G. W. Browning. The 
stained glass windows were put in in 1894, the gift of Rev. Mr. Canfield, 
a former pastor. The congregation has always been weak. At differ- 
ent times additional strength has been attained through temporary in- 
creases in the membership, but therc^ has been no permanent growth in 
all these y(nirs. 

Among tliosc wlio have served as rectors were: 

Benjamin Sheetz. 1888- — C. H. Canfield. 
Charles. 1892- — Aiken. 



1874-78— R. E. Huntingdon. 1897-00— F. N. Chapman. 

Peter Wager. J. M. McBride. 

1878- —Robert Talbot. G.W.Preston. 

Frank Henry. Frank Hallam. 

1886-87— Love. 1907-08— R. K. Tucker. 

1887-88— Carroll M. Davis. 1908-10— F. N. (Iiapman. 



The Churches. 145 

J. — Catholic Church. 

Adair. — Tho Adair parish has a history running back about forty- 
five years. It may l)e properly considered as a branch of the Edina 
parish. For some years prior to the civil war, Catholics from Ohio 
began to settle in and around Edina, Knox Comity, and very soon a 
strong Catholic church was organized there. In a few years this Cath- 
olic settlement began to spread westward from Edina, a few Cathohc 
families settling in Clay township, Adair County. The situation was 
seized upon by Father McNamee, then assistant parish priest at Edina. 
He interested about a half dozen Catholic families living in Clay township 
and nearby in Knox County, in making a start towards founding a 
Catholic church, and he arranged to celebrate mass at the home of 
Daniel McGonigle, and continued to hold services there occasionally 
until a church building was erected. From this small beginning the con- 
gregation was established and has gradually grown until it now numbers 
about 428 souls, representing ninety families. Something like forty 
other families have migrated to other places, so that if all had remained 
the membership now would be much larger than it is. About one-half 
of the congregation live in Knox County, and some live in Schuyler 
and Scotland Counties. 

When the time came to establish a separate parish a large mission- 
ary district was laid off, which included the territory from M(nnphis 
to the Chariton River, and from Macon to the Iowa line. Within this 
mission district were Memphis and the Mudd settlement, seven miles 
north of Downing. To get matters well organized and prepare the way 
for a regular pastor, priests were sent at intervals from St. Louis by 
Archbishop Kendrick. Among these first priests thus sent were Fathers 
Madden and Daley in the early seventies. But they were not assigned 
to this work for more than a few months. When they were not in the 
field the priests at Edina cared for the work. 

There have been practically only two resident pastors since the 
church was regularly established. The first was Father Ryan who served 
from about 1877 or 1878 to 1888; the second, Father J. O'Shea, who 
succeeded Father Ryan and has been in continuous service ever since. 
Prior to Father R\'an the officiating j^riests who came from Edina held 
services only once a month at least. Father Ryan and Father O'Shea 
have been able to give all their time to the work. Mass is said ever}- 
Sunday morning at 8 and 10:30 o'clock, and on week days at 8 a. m. 

In 1904 the original church building was moved to another site and 
the construction of the present building was begun. The dedication of 




Catholic Chukcii, Adair. 



Thk Churches. 147 

the new building took placeon June 15, 1905 with Archbishop Glennon of 
St. Louis officiating. It cost, completely furnished, $10,000 and is 
by far the prettiest country church in this part of the state. The orig- 
inal building will some day be used as a convent, as the parish contem- 
plates establishing a parochial school in the near future. 

KiRKSviLLE. — The Kirksville Catholic church was organized in 
the fall of 1888 by Father O'Shea, priest at Adair. There were just a 
few Catholic families in Kirksville and the adjoining country, who were 
so situated as to be unable to take advantage of the Catholic services 
at Adair, and though the field was not promising. Father O'Shea was in- 
terested in it and succeeded in getting a church started. He made ar- 
rangements for monthly services in the Masonic Hall, and then labored 
zealously in getting a church building erected. Two lots were secured 
in the Font and Ellison addition to the town of Kirksville in August, 
1892. The contract for the building was let to Thos. Earhart for .$3,400. 
The building was completed in due time and was dedicated on Sunday, 
July 2, 1893. 

The dedication was the occasion for a big demonstration. Special 
trains were run into Kirksville from Moberly, Trenton and Edina. It 
is estimated that 1,500 came from outside towns, Edina sending the 
largest delegation. The sermon ^vas preached by Father Moeller of 
St. Louis. 

The church was richl,y decorated with votive offerings from all over 
the country. In the early nineties people came to Kirksville in large 
numbers for osteopathic treatment at the hands of Dr. A. T. Still, many 
of whom were Catholics. Many of these Catholics who were benefited 
by Dr. Still's treatments left some expression of their gratitude in the 
shape of votive offerings. Among these offerings were a statue of the 
Sacred Heart, a costly crucifix, and an altar. When the building was 
destroyed by the great cyclone of April 27, 1899, only three of these 
offerings were saved. They are in the present church. 

Concerning the effort to get a Catholic church started in Kirks- 
ville, Father O'Shea has expressed in a letter to the author, his appre- 
ciation of the assistance of Mr. John L. Porter of Kirksville, in the fol- 
lowing words: "The church at Kirksville ow^es its existence to John L. 
Porter. No Catholic was ever kinder to a priest than he was to me, 
though he did not belong to the Catholic church nor had he any personal 
interest. He gave me the use of the court house (that is, the old 
Masonic Hall) to say mass once a month; he went with me to so- 
licit subscriptions and gave generously himself. And it was he who 



148 History of Adair County. 

turned the first sod of earth for the foundation of the church building 
that we first had at Kirksville, as well as superintended the construc- 
tion. Let the Catholics of Kirksville look upon Mr. Porter with deepest 
gratitude, and respect him and his always." 

As has been said, this building was destroyed by the cyclone in 
1899. This proved very trying upon Catholicism in Kirksville. It was 
six years before another building could be erected. The cornerstone of 
the new building was laid by Archbishop Glennon on April 14, 1905, 
while he was on his way to dedicate the new church at Adair; by June 
it was finished, and on June 15 it was dedicated. Father A. B. Gass 
was priest at the time. 

There have been only two resident priests for the Kirksville church: 
Father A. B. Gass from 1903 to 1910; and Father Mercer since 1910. 
Father O'Shea conducted the occasional services from the time the first 
church was dedicated to its destruction, and Father Byrne of Edina 
conducted whatever services were held from 1899 to 1903. 

NoviNGER. — The Catholic church at Novinger was organized by 
Father O'Hearn in April, 1901. He was at the time stationed at Milan, 
but he saw the opportunity which the field offered in Novinger and put 
himself enthusiastically back of the cause and succeeded in his under- 
taking. At that time a great many foreigners were coming into Novin- 
ger to work in the mines which were being opened on a large scale, and 
many of these foreigners were Catholics or were inclined towards Ca- 
tholicism. Father O'Hearn realized what it meant to them and to 
the church to enter this field and possess it. He had been celebrating 
mass in Miner's Hall at Danforth prior to the big boom at Novinger, 
and as soon as the boom came, he arranged for Catholic services in the 
newly built K. P. Hall at Novinger. He, moreover, began i)lanning for 
a church and succeeded in getting a lot at once. In 1902 he left, and 
Father Wm. McCormick succeeded. The work on the building was 
begun in October, 1902, but the dedication did not occur until OctoixT 
18, 1905. The Right Rev. Bishop Burke of St. Joseph, dedicated the 
building. 

The church has not l)een strong enough to maintain a iiriest all l)y 
itself. It is yet a mission, and is scn'ved once a month by a priest sta- 
tioned at Milan. The original membership was 100; at present it is 
about 150. 

The officiating priest have been: 

1901-02— Father O'Hearn. 1906- —Father McClod. 

1902-06— Father McCormick. 1906-10— Father Jermain. 



The Churches. 149 

K. — Miscellaneous Churches. 

Lutherans. — As far as is known the Lutheran churcli has had only 
one congTej>ation in the county, and that proved to be tenii)orary. Some 
time in the fifites a grouj) of Germans who settled in the neighborhood 
of what is now Novinger, organized this congregation. Prominent 
among these early members were Isaac Novinger, John Novinger, Henry 
Capps, Adam Shoop and Philip Shoop. The congregation was never 
strong enough to erect a church building. Rev. Crigler is remembered 
by many persons now in and around Novinger as one of the early Lu- 
theran preachers who used to come from time to time and preach to 
the people. They usually spoke in German or Pennsylvania Dutch. 

An attempt was made to organize a Lutheran church in Kirksville 
in 1886, but it never succeeded. 

On the dissolution of the Lutheran congregation around Novinger 
in the seventies, the members went into the Methodist and Cumberland 
Presbyterian churches chiefly. 

Universalists. — During the sixties and seventies there was a 
small but fairly active grouj) of Universalists in the county. They are 
said to have organized on Deceml^er 25, 1867. Very little is known of 
their organization. Preaching services were held in Kirksville from 
time to time. Li March, 1875, arrangements were made by the Uni- 
versalists with the trustees of the Baptist church to use their building, 
but it is said that Rev. Ray, the Baptist pastor, pocketed the key and 
would not allow the services to hp held. Rev. W. L. Fletcher, a highly 
honored old settler, was among the leaders of this organization. The 
Universalist State Convention convened in Kirksville in November, 
1876. 

SwEDENBORGiANS. — Li the Seventies an effort was made to organ- 
ize a Swedenborgian church in this county, Init it failed. Chas. Patter- 
son was the leading spirit in the movement. 

Spiritualism. — In the fall of 1874 a Spiritualistic circle was organ- 
ized in this district by a Mrs. Mott. Many prominent citizens were 
interested in the circle, among whom were W. M. Gill, S. M. Pickler, 
F. A. Grove, and Miss Emma Coons. The active campaign carried on 
by this group, aided by some noted travelling lecturers, aroused the 
bitter opposition of a great many people in the community. The first 
fiuarterly meeting of the "North Eastern Missouri Association of Pro- 



150 History of Adair County, 

gressive Liberalists and Spiritualists" was held in Kirksville in November 
1879. 

As the result of the work done in the seventies, there has always 
been a small group of Spiritualists in the county. 

Salvation Army. — This religious organization seems to have ap- 
peared in the county first in 1894. Their work has been only spasmodic 
and temporary. 

Holiness Church. — The Church of God or Holiness Church, first 
appeared in Kirksville in 1882. In 1883 a big revival meeting was held, 
which resulted in a large number of converts, but most of them went 
back into the old churches. The few who remained steadfast built a 
church within the limits of Kirksville. 

They renewed activity in 1894. There has recently arisen a schism 
in the ranks, which has ended in a law suit between the factions over 
the church property. 

Bible Society. — This was organized in July, 1866, and held annual 
meetings until at least 1895, and may have held them later than that. 
The object of this association was to assist the American Bible Society 
in getting financial support and in distributing Bibles. 

Sunday School Association. — There has been a County Sunday 
School Association since at least 1875. Annual meetings are held. Mr. 
S. S. McLaughlin has been more closely identified with this movement 
than any one else perhaps. 



CHAPTEE IX. 
FRATERNAL, PATRIOTIC AND INDUSTRIAL ORDERS. 

Section I. — Fraternal Orders. 
A. — Masonic Order. 

KiRKSviLLE. — The Masonic order in Kirksville includes two Lodges, 
one chapter and one commandery. 

The first Lodge was organized under dispensation ]May 24, 1850, 
by A. D. Green, with Isham B. Dodson, W. M.; John Huston, S. W.; 
Calvin W. Hardin, J. W.; J. M. Huston, secretary; Samuel Withrow, 
treasurer; Wash. Conner, S. D.; Andrew Grist, J. D.; Wm. Ringo, 
steward and tyler. The first meetings were held in Dodson's log house, 
which stood on what is now South Osteopathy Avenue, directly west 
of the Normal School. This lodge was chartered as the Kirksville 
Lodge No. 128, A. F. and A. M., on May 8, 1851. By the time this 
charter was granted a large membership had ])een acquired. This 
lodge surrendered its charter in 1863. 

Kirksville Lodge, No. 105, A. F. and A. ]\L, was organized on Maj^ 
26, 1864, and chartered June 30, 1864. Li it were many of the Lodge 
No. 128 which had surrendered its charter the previous year. The char- 
ter members were: Napoleon Wilson, David Baird, Wm. F. Smith, 
James C. Smith, Washington Conner, David A. Ely, Sr., Wm. T. Por- 
ter, M. P. Hannah, John D. Foster, Wm. T. Baird, Richard M. Ringo, 
A. Lane Wood, John D. Stephens, John T. Smith, Abraham Wolf, 
John L. Porter, Grogan Nelson, Thos. C. Wilson. 

This lodge organized a building association in 1872, which erected 
a three story brick building on the western end of the north side of the 
square. Ground was broken on July 15 and the cornerstone laid on 
August ] . The latter event was the occasion of a notable gathering 
of Masons from Iowa and from ]\Iacon and Schuyler Counties. The Masons 
met at ten o'clock at the Cumberland Presbyterian church and marched 
to the Masonic Hall site. After the stone was laid, they marched 
to the M. E. Church, where an address was given by John D. Vincil. 
A big basket dinner was indulged in at Wilson's Grove. The Imilding 
wlien completed cost about $15,000. 



152 History of Adair County. 

The Masons used the third floor of this building as their hall, and 
dedicated it on the morning of June 24, 1873. The dedication cere- 
mony was conducted by John M. Oldham of Kirksville, and Rufus E. 
Anderson of Palmyra. After the dedication the Masons and their 
friends enjoyed a big basket dinner in the grove west of town. After 
dinner there was speaking in the grove by R. E. Anderson and Orin 
Root of CarroUton. 

This building was completely ])urned to the ground on December 
13, 1890. The lodge then secured quarters on the second floor of the 
building just east of the Savings Bank and retained them until 
it moved to its present quarters in the building on north Elson, just 
north of where the old Masonic Building had formerly stood. 

Adair Lodge, No. 366, A. F. and A. M., was organized May 21, 
1881, and was chartered the following October 31. The charter mem- 
bers were E. 0. Gates, John Burton, F. A. Grove, John Miller, W. L. 
Fletcher, R. H. Browne, H. F. Millan, D. C. Pierce, B. F. Lamkin, 
B. F. Henry, and R. M. Ringo. Only three of these are still living — 
H. F. Millan, B. F. Lamkin and B. F. Henry. This lodge used the Ma- 
sonic Hall with the other lodge until the building w^as burned in 1890. 
It then used the same quarters as the other lodge on the south side of 
the scjuare and remained there until October, 1910, when the j^resent 
quarters in the Foster Ijuilding on Washington Street one block east 
from the square, were occupied. 

Galdwell Chapter, No. 53, R. A. M., was organized July 14, 1869, 
and chartered October 7, 1869. The charter members were: Wm. 
T. Baird, Washington Conner, D. A. Ely, Sr., Joseph Baum, Icabod 
Nagle^', A. L. Shepherd, David Baird, Isham B. Dodson, George W- 
Browning, Alanson Morris, R. M. Ringo, Napoleon Wilson. At pres- 
ent the membership is 124. 

Ely Commandery, No. 22, K. T., was organized December 12, 
1872, and chartered October 7, 1873. The charter members were: 
P. K. Debbie, David Baird, John L. Porter, R. ^L Brashear, F. A. 
Grove, D. P. Harris, W. R. Parsons, E. D. C. Shortridge, John J. Spen- 
cer, D. A. Ely, Sr., J. Q. Adams, E. J. Brown, A. F. Chadwick, W. M. 
Gates, A. J. Knight, R. L. Sharp, Thomas Shortell, H. L. Turner. 
Its membersliip is about 100. 

The Masonic Orders of Kirksville have laid the cornerstones of a 
numl)er of public buildings in the town. Among them the main build- 
ing of the State Normal School (now called Baldwin Hall) in 1871; 
Science Hall of the Normal School, 1905; M. E. Churcli South, 1882; 
Masonic Hall, 1891; and Smith's Business College, 1883. The Grand 
Lodge of Missouri laid the Court House corner stone in 1896. 



Fraternal, Patriotic and Industrial Orders. 153 

Kirksville Chapter, No. 184, Order of Eastern Star, was chartered 
August 31, 1901. The charter members were: Mrs. OrabeUa Goben, 
Jessie L. Thatcher, Mrs. Jennie Marks, Miss Linie Deaton, Mrs. Willa 
Wilkes, JNIrs. AUce Pierce, Mrs. S. T. McKinney, Mrs. Lillie Wilson, 
Miss Alta IM. Ringo, Mrs. Evaline Clark, Mrs. A. Goldberg, Miss Allie 
Pollock, Mrs. Hattie L. Grassle, Miss Lena Wilkes, Mrs. Laura M. 
Purl, Mrs. M. E. Porter, Mrs. Susan L. Keith, Mrs. Julia Dockery, 
M. G. Deaton, H. B. Purl, J. W. Martin, J. H. Holton, G. A. Goben, 
J. L. Porter, R. M. Ringo, and Harry Marks. 

Brashear. — Paulville Lodge, No. 319, A. F. and A. M., was or- 
ganized at Paulville on June 14, 1869, under a dispensation granted by 
the Grand Lodge of Missouri on May 6, 1869. The charter was granted 
October 12, 1869. The charter members were: S. N. Holloway, L. S. 
Musick, R. M. Brashear, C. Patterson, W. B. Keller, D. C. Lord, J. L. 
Hickman. When the town of Brashear was laid out, Paulville moved 
to Brashear, and wdth it went the Paulville IVIasonic Lodge. A hall 
was secured and this was dedicated on December 27, 1875. Li 1884 
the lodge occupied the third story of the Brashear Academy building 
erected that year. In 1896 the Academy building was remodeled into 
a church and since that time the Masons have occupied other ciuarters. 

There is a Masonic lodge at Novinger, but no information could 
be secured concerning it. 

Northwestern Lodge, No. 88 (Colored), A. F. and A. M., of the 
Grand Lodge of ^Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota, was char- 
tered August 23, 1878. It is still in existence. 

B. — Odd Fellows. 

Kirksville. — Adair Lodge, No. 96, I. 0. 0. F., was chartered 
May 21, 1856, but who the charter members were is not known. The 
charter was pierced by a cannon ball during the battle of Kirksville 
on August 6, 1862, and was so soiled and mutilated as to make it impos- 
sible to decipher from it who the charter members were. Moreover, 
the early records of the lodge were so poorly kept that the lodge today 
knows practically nothing regarding its early membership. 

At the time when the liattle of Kirksville occurred the Odd Fellows 
were occupying quarters in the Linder building, a three story frame, 
on the southeast corner of the S(|uare, where Myers Bros, shoe store 



154 History of Adair County. 

now stands. This room had been used since 1858 and continued to be 
used until 1871, Avhen the lodge arranged for new quarters by adding a 
third story to the building built by Mr. Tuttle on the southwest corner 
of the square. For twenty years the lodge used these quarters. In 
1892 the Good Templars' Hall, which was in the third story of the build- 
ing adjoining the Odd Fellows on the south was bought and the parti- 
tion wall between the two halls was taken out. This gave the lodge 
the comfortable quarters which they have used ever since. The dedi- 
cation of the newly enlarged hall, which occurred on December 14, 
1892, was the occasion for a big demonstration. The oration of the 
day was delivered l^y Past Grand Master Jewell of Carrollton. Visit- 
ing Odd Fellows from neighboring towns were present. 

Adair Encampment, No. 44, was chartered May 24, 1869, but the 
charter was surrendered in 1909. 

The Kirksville Rebecca Lodge was chartered May 24, 1889. Be- 
fore that the Rebecca degree had been conferred on several women in 
the open Odd Fellows Lodge. At least two had the degree conferred 
upon them in February, 1859. 

The Grand Lodge of L O. 0. F. of Missouri convened in Kirksville 
May 14-17, 1906. The sessions were held in the Normal School chapel. 
Mr. Hiram Lloyd of St. Louis, was Grand Master at the time. 

Brashear.- — Brashear Lodge, No. 522, I. O. O. F., was organized 
January 15, 1896, by H. S. Carnes, Grand Master, of Trenton, INIo. 
The ctiartei- members were: C. A. Chadwick, E. W. McDennit, Job 
Rainier, J. J. Mitz, Colonel Vawter, W. T. Boone, M. B. Sherwood, 
W. S. Vawter, H. H. Barnhart. The founding of this lodge was the 
occasion of a large gathering of Odd Fellows from nearby places, thirty- 
five coming from Kirksville, fifteen from La Plata, twelve from Hurd- 
land, and two from Novelty. The organization was effected in the 
afternoon, and at night three members were admitted by card and 
twelve l)y initiation. This made the membership twenty-five to start 
with. The inemb(>rshi]i at present (1911) is 100; so far only one deatli 
has occurred in that number. 

Novinger. — Novinger Lodge, N(). 610, I. O. O. F., was chartered 
May 23, 190L The charter members were: (Jeorge E. Bates, S. A. 
Boltz, Henry PVankford, A. A. Ilader, and W. E. Huff. The charter 
was surrendered, however, on Fel)ruary 18, 1911. 



Fraternal, Patrioiic and Indi'strial Orders, 155 

Besides the lodges just described, there are Odd Fellow lodges 
at Sperry (No. 553), at Connelsville (No. 668), and at Gibbs (No. 567.) 
But no information concerning them has been availal^le. 

C. Knights of Pythias. 

KiRKSviLLE. — Kirksville Lodge, No. 72, Knights of Pythias, was 
organized on March 28, 1882, by Thomas R. Gelwicks, Or. K. R. S. of 
Missouri, and was duly chartered on October 20, 1882. The charter 
members were as follows: J. W. Martin, J. R. Holmes, J. E. Pierce, 
G. W. Mclntyre, J. W. Shryack, E. H. Rice, J. A. Tinsman, C. R. Mc- 
Donald, W. H. Ivie, A. M. Smith, J. M. Wild, J. T. Earhart, W. L. 
Griggs, W. W. Fulkerson, A. B. Coffey, B. F. Heiny, J. D. Miller, J. L. 
Porter, C. A. Barnard, E. S. Link, J. W. Link, C. E. Markey, J. T. At- 
terbury, N. Wilson, J. S. Pool, R. Clark, Sr., J. W. Long, H. W. Spencer, 
J. L. Kemp, W. A. Fowler, Stanley Thompson, A. Solkey, C. A. Brown, 
D. D. Glenn, A. R. Morgan, G. S. Merritt, Porter Patten, H. C. Far- 
rington, J. H. Nichols, C. B. Oldham, and M. A. Miller. 

This lodge occupied the Odd Fellows lodge room for a while after 
it was organized. Subsequently it moved into its present quarters 
over the Kirksville Savings Bank. Its present membership is 250. 

Apollo Division No. 12, Uniform Rank, K. of P., has been in ex- 
istence for over twenty years. 

NoviNGER. — Novinger Lodge, No. — , Knights of Pythias, was 
chartered October 18, 1900. The charter members were: Henry 
Frankford, John T. Novinger, John W. Cook, H. Shott, F. W. Closs, 
A. Steele, E. Doner, J. G. Vanlaningham, R. A. Carnes, J. W. Capps, 
C. Hennick, J. G. Strayer, U. B. Snyder, C. W. Rainwater, J. J. Bowen, 
Wm. Green, W. B. Evans, S. C. Gorrell, A. E. Hamilton, D. P. Shaver, 
Wm. Long, J. Siders, Jno. Black. The K. P. Hall was built in 1900, 
and has been used not only by this lodge but by other fraternal orders 
and l)y the various churches at different times. 

There is a K. P. Lodge at Connelsville, but no information could 
be obtained regarding it. 

D.— Eiks. 

Kirksville. — Kirksville Lodge, No. 464, B. P. O. E., was insti- 
tuted on January 30, 1899. The instituting officers Avere from the St. 
Louis Lodge, No. 9, who came in a special car. The work of instituting 
the lodge was followed by a banquet. The charter is dated June 22, 



156 



History of Adair County. 



1899, and contains the names of the followhig charter members: Fred 
N. Chapman, E. T. Brewington, V. H. Greenwood, G. M. Laughhn, 
F. C. Miller, E. H. Bestman, C. B. Matthews, M. J. Maxwell, C. W. 
Adams, H. H. Straight, C. A. Hamilton, W. T. Stephenson, and Wm. 
Smith. This lodge has been particularly prosperous in the last few 
years. It erected a handsome club house on the corner of Elson and 
Jefferson streets in 1910, the formal opening of which took place on 
January 3, 1911. The cost of this building was about $30,000. The 



"^^^•Hfif^l^ 




Elks Home, Kirksville. 

first floor is given up to reception rooms, gaming rooms and the like; 
on the second floor are the offices and an immense lodge room -which 
is arranged in a very artistic fashion. The charity work of this lodge is 
very extensive. For some years it has fixed up a Christmas tree in its 
rooms for the poor children of the town and thus gladdened the hearts 
of many of them by their generosity and sympathetic treatment. 

Two of the members of this lodge are life members; they are F. N. 
Chapman and J. F. Eckert. Rev. Chapman was Grand Chaplain of 
the national organization one year. 

E.— A. O. U. W. 



Kirksville. — Milton Lodge, No. 103, A. O. U. W., was chartered 
February 1, 1879. Later the uniform rank of Select Knights was organ- 
ized also. The order was a fraternal order, but it put special emphasis 
upon its benevolent insurance system. For some cause or other the in- 
surance assessments began to be increased about fifteen years, and con- 
tinued to go u]) more and moi'c. The r(>sult was many meml)(Ts with- 
drew. The lodge in Kirksville has been defunct for five vears or more. 



Fraternal, Patriotr-^ and Industrial Orders. 157 

Besides the A. 0. U. W. there have been several other benevolent 
fraternal organizations rejiresented in Kirksville. Among them were 
the Knights of Honor and the Knights of Maccabees. The former is 
known to have existed in 1882, and the latter in 1892, but as to how long 
they lasted and what they did, nothing further can be said. 

Section II. — Patriotic Orders. 
A.— G. A. R. 

Kirksville. — When the war closed there was a wide-spread desire 
to perpetuate the bonds of friendship and brotherly love which had 
been formed by comrades in arms. This desire gave rise to several 
organizations. Among these was the Union Soldiers' League. A league 
was partially formed in Kirksville in September, 1866, and Sergt. S. W. 
Williams was appointed to confer with the Secretary of State League. 
Capt. F. M. Shelton, Asst. Surgeon A. Douglas, Capt. E. 0. Gates, 
H. G. Kernodle, D. S. Hooper, and S. W. Williams were the leaders in 
this movement. 

The Union Soldiers' League, however, did not prosper. The Grand 
Army of the Republic proved to be the organization that enlisted the 
interest and support of the greatest number of Federal soldiers. The 
first post was organized at Decatur, Illinois in 1866. 

Corporal Dix Post, No. I, Department of Missouri, G. A. R., was 
organized in 1866 or early in 1867, and was the first post organized in 
the state and is said to have been the first west of the Mississippi River. 
Dr. R. H. Browne and J. A. Gormly were among those instrumental 
in bringing al^out the organization of the post. The post lived but a 
short time, owing to the fact that politics got into it, as was the case 
with the organization nationally. By 1869 it was dead. The 
only surviving members of the original post, as far as is known, are 
Joseph D. Miller, now of Topeka, Kansas; Edward Annnerman of 
Lenore, California; and George F. Williams of Kirksville. 

The post was named after Corporal Harvey Dix, of Company D, 
Third Iowa Infantry, who was killed in an engagement northeast of 
Kirksville on August 19, 1861. He was the first Union soldier to be 
killed within the limits of Adair County. An account of this event 
has already been given. The credit of suggesting this name for the 
poet is said to belong to Joseph D. Miller, who was later sheriff of the 
county. 

In 1882 the post was revived and mustered ])y Nat M. Gwynne, 
Assistant Adjutant General of the Missouri Department, with the fol- 



158 History of Adair County. 

lowing charter members: R. H. Browne, John Burton, W. J. Ashlock, 
J. H. Kinnear, J. W. Tinsman, G. F. WiUiams, R. G. Bielby, B. F. 
Heiny, John Shaver, J. A. Tinsman, Sanford Snyder, and A. D. Risdon. 
By this time twenty-one other posts had been organized in the state, 
so that the post number was now 22. The old name was retained. 

The records show than an enrollment of 341 has been attained 
since the organization. But many of them have died, others moved 
away, and some dropped, so that at the present time there are only 72 
members. The attendance at the meetings, however, is only about 
fifteen. 

The post meets the first and third Thursdays of each month in the 
Grand Jury room, the use of which the county court has given to it 
W'ithout charge. A few war relics have been placed in this room, and it 
is hoped to add to these so that a good museum may be formed. 

The Post has always observed Memorial Day, and has not only 
decorated the graves of old Federal soldiers, but for many years it has 
also decorated the graves of the Confederates who were buried in the 
cemetery after the battle of Kirksville. 

A few years ago a monument was erected over this grave, and ac- 
tive assistance was rendered by the Post in securing the funds for this 
purpose. 

The cannon standing at the northeast corner of the court house 
square was placed there a year or two ago l^y the Post. 

The Eighteenth Annual Encampment of the G. A. R. of Missouri 
was held in Kirksville May 11-12, 1899. 

Brashear. — The Sergeant Ryan Post at Brashear was chartered 
October 6, 1884. The charter members were: M. A. Church, B. F. 
Hall, J. N. McCreary, J. S. Mclntyre, B. W. Church, D. Y. Conkle, 
J. Z. Smith, W. H. Steele, W. H. Dunham, J. Hartsock, B. Pierce, D. 
Tuttle, J. F. Wise, J. Norris, and R. U. White. Exactly one hundred 
different names have l)een enrolled, but the present active membership 
is only seventeen. 

Besides these posts at Kirksville and Brashear there have been 
three others at least: the Jas. A. Smith Post at Millard; the A. D. 
Hickman Post at Shibley's Point; and the Post at Sublette. No in- 
formation concerning their organization or subsequent history has been 
secured, except that the post at Sublette was disbanded some years 
ago, and the memlx'rship was merged in the post at Kirksville. 



Fraternal, Patriotic and Industrial Orders. 159 

Inasmuch as the G. A. R. Avas responsible for some of the County 
Soldiers' Reunions held in tliis county, it may be ai^propriate to give 
a brief account of tliem her(\ 

For years county soldiers' reunions were held annually late in the 
summer; most of them were held in Kirksville. These reunions would 
include processions, camp fires, a good deal of speaking, and various 
kinds of amusements. The earliest reunion of which there is any rec- 
ord was held in 1868. An immense crowd attended. The chief event 
of the reunion was a sham battle in which many of the manneuvers of 
August 6, 1862 were reenacted. Major John A. Pickler superintended 
the battle. There was a good deal of political speaking both morning 
and afternoon. Among the speakers were Major Clements of Macon, 
Major Glaze of Macon, State Supt. T. A. Parker, and INIajor Williams. 
It seems that the political coloring given to this celebration made it 
unpopular, so that soldiers' reunions were not held any more for a long 
time. At least there is no mention of any in the newspapers until 1880. 

Soldiers' Reunions seem to have been held annually during the 
eighties, but no one ever surpassed the one held in 1880. Moreover, 
complaints began to be made against the management; it was said that 
questionable side shows were permitted and that the accommodations 
were not adequate. Moreover, it cost a great deal of money to pro- 
vide for the entertainment of the crowds that attended, and the cost 
fell pretty heavily upon the same men from year to year. For these 
reasons the reunions seem to have been discontinued after 1889. 

The one held in 1885 was marked by the organization of an asso- 
ciation of the survivors of the Twenty-Seventh Missouri Infantry and 
another for the Tenth Missouri Infantrj-. J. E. Pierce was President 
and J. H. Novinger, Secretary of the first; G. D. Gray was President 
of the second. 

By 1880 something of the bitterness of feeling which the war had 
produced, began to wear away, and it was felt safe and desirable to hold 
a big reunion of the old soldiers. Extensive preparations were made 
for the event. They seem to have begun with the organization of an 
association of the survivors of the Seventh Missouri Cavalry who lived 
in Adair County. This was done in December, 1879. S. M. Crawford 
was made President of this organization and T. J. Dockery, Secretary. 
Companies C, F, G, H, I and M were represented by the members. 
The following April a Union Veterans Association was formed at Kirks- 
ville and committees were appointed to arrange for the reunion. A 
camp ground was laid out along the northwestern edge of the town, 
and hundreds of tents pitched there for the accommodation of the old 
soldiers. 



160 History of Adair County. 

The crowning feature of the reunion was the shain battle. Sup- 
plies from the government were secured, so that the men engaged in 
it had uniforms, arms, and other equipment very much as in real army 
hfe. 

In 1889 a movement was started to form an association of the sur- 
vivors of the Thirty-Ninth Missouri Infantr}-. It was occasioned by 
the accidental meeting one day of eight of the survivors in front of the 
court room. These eight were Otis Miller, Egbert Policy, John Broadley, 
Jerome B. Greenslate, Thos. J. Spencer, Valentine Judd, John Calvin, 
and W. B. Deaton. A call was made for all the survivors to meet for 
organization, but it is not known what became of the matter. 

Sons of Veterans — A chapter of the Sons of Veterans was 
organized here several years ago, and after it lapsed it was reorganized, 
but as yet enough interest has not been manifested to keep it going. 

B. — Women's Orders. 

W. R. C. — The Woman's Relief Corps of Kirksville was organized 
on April 30, 1885, with sixty-six charter members. The first President 
was Mrs. Julia E. Dockery, and the first Secretary was Mrs. Mary 
Sparling. The membership reached the ninety mark at one time. 

U. D. C. — The United Daughters of the Confederacy of Kirksville 
effected an organization on August 8, 1891. Mrs. B. P. Gentry was the 
first President. The society did not flourish, as there were very few who 
were eligible who would take an interest in it. 

D. A. R.— The Ann Haynes Chapter of the Daughters of the 
American Revolution at Kirksville was organized on February 9, 1907. 
The charter members were INIinnie Brashear, Roma Brashear, Mrs. 
Edith Campbell, Mrs. Adah Caskey Cockrell, Mrs. Ruby Bowen Cooley, 
Mrs. Louisa Taylor Gerdine, Mrs. Sarah Trowbridge Hall, Mrs. Kath- 
erine Harrington SAvaney, Mrs. Blanche Still I.aughlin, Mrs. Flora M. 
Mason, Mrs. Charlotte O'Neill, Clara O'Neil, Clara Brown Spencer, 
Mrs. Quintilla Haynes Ringo, .\lethea Ringo. Mrs. Eugenia Ringo 
Moorman, Mrs. Ethel Ringo W'eatherly. 

T\w duties of this chapter include an ainuial visit to the graves 
of the two Kcvohitionary soldiers buried in Adair ('(junty, at which 
time these graves are cleaned and decorated with flags and flowers; 
the preservation of historical relics and the location of places connected 



Fraternal, Patriotic and Industrial Orders. 



IGl 



with tho early history of Missouri and A(hiir County; tlic ('iicouraf2;o- 
meut of ])atrioti(' (nhication anions the school chiklron of the county; 
and th(> study of American history in detail by the members. 

Patriotic (nlucation among; the school children is encouraged througii 
offerin"- annually a prize to any school other than the hiji;h school 
at Kirksville, for the best essay on some historical subject selected by a 
connnitt(^ of the chapter, and also throuij;h teaching them to salute the 
flaji and to arise when the national hvmn is being sung. 




Graves of Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Adair County. 
James Fletcher Thomas Lay 

1755-1S45 1755 (?)-1845 

Buried on the old Amsbaugh farm. Buried in Cain-CoUett Cemetery 



The two Revolutionary soldiers buried in the county are James 
Fletcher and Thomas Lay. The record of service of Fletcher is as fol- 
lows: Private in Fourth Troop commanded by Capt. Wm. Parsons, 
First Regiment Light Dragoons, Continental Troops; name appears 
on pay-roll of the Company for January, 1783; was taken prisoner at 
one time. He w^as born April 29, 1758 and died in Adair County Sep- 
tember 27, 1845, and was buried on the old Amsbaugh farm not far from 
the low(T iron bridge, eleven miles southwest of Kirksville. He had 
come to Missouri in 1830. 

The record of Thomas Lay is not known, but there seems to be no 
doul)t that he was a Revolutionary soldier. He died al)out 1845 and 



162 History of Adair County. 

was buried in the Cain-Collet t cemeteiy, six miles west of Kirks ville. 
For years and years nothing marked their graves. However, in 
1890 a monument was erected at the grave of Lay, and in 1891 one was 
placed at the grave of Fletcher. These were provided for through the 
generosity of the public-spirited citizens of the county. Most of the 
work in securing the funds and enlisting the interest of the people Avas 
done by Mr. R. M. Ringo. It seems as though he knew of only one 
Revolutionary soldier buried in the county when he began the work, 
hence only one monument Avas erected at first, that over Lay's grave. 
In fact, the popular notion then was that Lay was the only Revolutionary 
soldier buried in the county. When, however, he learned of the second 
one, Fletcher, he took up the task of securing a monument for his gr»,ve 
and got the matter under way by calling a number of citizens together 
on July 28, 1891. At this meeting an executive committee, of which he 
was chairman, was appointed, and the Avork was carried through suc- 
cessfully and without delay. 

■ The unveiling of these monuments was marked l)y a good deal 
of ceremony. The monument over Lay's grave was unveiled on Oc- 
tober 10, 1890. A large crowd of people gathered from Kirksville and 
other parts of the county, though the rain kept maiij' more from com- 
ing. The oration of the day was pronounced by President J. P. Blan- 
ton. Addresses were also made by Mr. G. M. McGuire and Capt. 
Jas. Berry. The inscription on the monument was: "In Memory of 
Thomas Lay, a Revolutionary Soldier, Died about 1845, Aged about 
90 yrs. Erected by the Citizens of Adair Co., Mo., in 1890." 

The unveiling of the Fletcher monument occurred on August 30, 
1891. A large crowd was in attendance. Addresses were made by 
Prof. G. H. Laughhn, Prof. B. P. Gentry, I. B. Dodson, Wm. Fletcher 
and Rev. Lagle. The inscription on the monument was: "James 
Fletcher, a Revolutionary Soldier, Born Apr. 29, 1758, Died Sept. 27, 
1845. Rest Soldier, Rest. Thy warfare's o'er." 



Section III. — Industrial Orders. 

A. — The Grange. 

In 1873 the Grange movement struck the county. "The Patrons 
of Husbandry," the official name of what was commonly called the 
Grange, was a secret society which had been founded in Washington 
in 1867. The objects of the society were to remove the restraints and 
burdens imposed on agriculture by the commercial class, railroads and 



Fraternal, Patriotic and Industrial Orders. 163 

canal companies, and to eliminate the expense caused by middle men 
in the distribution of finished products from the manufacturer to the 
consumer. The dissatisfaction with the conditions just after the war 
which were marked by low wages and high prices of machinery and 
other things a farmer would have to buy, led to efforts to change them. 
The Grange came into being as one of these agents that were to right 
some of the wrongs in the conditions of the times. It proposed to pur- 
chase machinery and other things on the co-operative plan and thus 
dispense with the middlemen's profits. But it was not intended to be 
a commercial organization only; it was to have social and literary fea- 
tures also. 

It spread rapidly throughout the country, especially in the north- 
western states. By 1873 it had been established in twenty-two states. 

In March, 1873, two Adair County men were appointed as special 
deputies to prosecute the work of organizing granges in this and sur- 
rounding counties. They were Dr. Wm. Gates and John M. Oldham. 
B}" that time two granges had been organized in the county. These 
were at Kirksville and Sublette. Within a year later there were nine- 
teen granges in all in the county. They were Kirksville, Enterprise, 
Oak Grove, Victory, Millard, Rural Dell, Paulville, Blanket Grove, 
Walnut, Prairie Bend, Liberty, Wellington, Illinois Bend, Spring Val- 
ley, Green Morris, Fabius, Hazel Green, Williams, and Nineveh. 

County Grange organization had been effected on July 12, 1873, 
with John S. Erwin as President and Chas. Patterson as Secretary. 

The constitution of the County Grange set forth as the object of 
the organization the facilitation of the transaction of business in buying, 
selling, and shipping for members of the subordinate granges represent- 
ed bj' delegates in the county grange. Its main provisions were : 

1. The members shall consist of delegates from the subordinate 
granges, so that each grange shall have at least two delegates, one of 
whom shall be a matron. If any subordinate grange shall have over 
sixt}' members it shall have an additional delegate for every thirty mem- 
bers above the original sixty. 

2. The officers of the Grange shall be Master, Overseer, Lecturer, 
Steward, Assistant Steward, Chaplain, Treasurer, Secretary, Gate 
Keeper, Ceres, Pomona, Flora, and Lady Assistant Steward. They 
shall be elected annually in August. 

3. Regular meetings shall be held in Kirksville on the first Monday 
of each month. 

4. The Executive Committee shall consist of five men, elected at 
the same time as the officers. They shall be on the alert to devise means 



164 History of Adair County. 

for the advancement of the interests of the whole order, procure favor- 
able terms and proposals for buying and selling for the Patrons, and 
submit the same to the County Grange. They shall exercise a general 
supervision over such proposals as may be accepted by the grange. 

Other articles provided for dues and amendments, and a set of by- 
laws governed the order of business, penalties and forfeitures. 

The County Grange held several picnics and other social gather- 
ings. Among the latter was the famous New Year's dinner at Judge 
Erwin's on January 1, 1874. 

The County Grange adopted resolutions at different times on such 
subjects as transportation, encouragement of industry, relief of the 
people, national banks, tariff, and the like, the general tenor of which 
one might easily guess. Sometimes it took up local matters and resolved 
against this, that and the other. For example, it condemned the Board 
of Regents of the Normal School for appropriating $500 from a left-over 
fund to President Bakhvin, and it condemned the appointment of 
Hooper, Oldham and De France as regents and called on them to resign. 

A storehouse was built in Kirksville in 1876. This was a 30x60 
foot building, two stories high, and stood near the junction of the 0. K. 
and Wabash railroads. The meetings of the county grange were held 
thereafter in this warehouse. 

A co-operative store was established in 1878. The w^arehouse and 
store were to facilitate the scheme for getting better prices for farm pro- 
ducts and cheapening the prices of things that must be purchased. But 
as most such schemes go, they did not work, and in the course of a short 
time they were abandoned. 

Prominent among those who were leaders in the grange movement 
in the county were Judge Erwin, Chas. Patterson, Dr. A. H. John, John 
M. Oldham, Dr. Wm. Gates, and J. D. Stephens. 

About 1889 there began what was known as the Farmers' and La- 
borers' Union. This was in one respect a revival of the Grange. The 
Grange has kept up its organization to the present, but it has been in 
these latter years more of an insurance company than anything else. 
The Grange as an organization to level prices and secure financial favors 
for its members passed away by the early eighties. The Farmers' 
Union or Alliance may be taken as a revived form of the Grange. It 
should l)e noted here that the association of the Grange and the Green- 
back Party, and of the Farmers' Union and the Populist Party is not 
by any means accidental. While the Grange and the Farmers' Union 
were not allowed ])y their constitutions to have anything to do with 
politics, th(\y iiad great indirect, if not direct, influence ujion the polit- 
ical development of their times. 



Fraternal, Patriotic and Industrial Orders. 165 

B. — Labor Organisations. 

As far as the available records go, the first labor organization was 
the Mechanics' Union, which was organized on January 4, 1870, at 
Kirksville, with T. M. Potter, President and J. J. Griggsby, Secretary. 
Fifteen members signed the constitution. 

On March 12, 1874 an order called the Industrial Brotherhood was 
organized in Kirksville by Dr. A. H. John and J. M. Oldham. Another 
Avas organized at Sloan's Point on March 13. 

This order was open to any man or woman of good morals who 
belonged to the laboring class. It was organized at the time when the 
farmers were getting the Grange well under way, and the prediction 
was made that Industrial Brotherhoods would soon be as thick as Granges. 
It is not known how long the order lasted in the county. 

The Knights of Labor were in Kirksville as early as 1883 at least. 
But it was not until the coal mines were developed on a large scale 
that labor unions were organized in large numbers. As far as is known, 
the first coal miners' union was organized at Danforth in 1879, but the 
first important ones were organized at Novinger early in the past decade. 
Since the coal miners began to organize unions throughout the county, 
carpenters, masons, painters, and other mechanics have also organized 
unions for themselves. 



CHAPTER X. 
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

Section I — The Rural Schools. 

The constitution of Missouri under which the state was admitted 
into the Union in 1821, provided that one scliool or more should be es- 
tabhshed in each township as soon as it should be practicable or nec- 
essary. This Avas in line with the provision of the act of Congress 
which in authorizing the Missouri Territory to form a constitution 
and state government had sti])ulated that the sixteenth section of land 
in each township should be devoted to the support of public schools. 

Nothing seems to have been done by the State Legislature con- 
cerning pul)lic education until January 17, 1825. At that time an act 
was passed which provided that each Congressional township should 
form a school district and that the educational affairs of this district 
should Ije under the control of the county court. How much was done 
in carrying out the provisions of this law cannot be said. 

On January 26, 1833, the Legislature authorized the Governor to 
appoint a committee of three who should prepare a system of "common 
primary school instruction." The suggestions of this committee were 
never taken up by the Legislature. 

In the session of 1834-35 an act was passed to regulate the sale of 
the sixteenth sections and to provide for organizing, regulating, and 
perpetuating common schools. Among other things it provided that 
each school district must support a school at least six months of each 
year. Because, however, of its imperfections and impracticability 
this law was repealed by 1839. Meanwhile an act had been passed 
in 1837 which created a school fund for the state. According to this 
measure the Governor was required to invest the principal and inter- 
est of the Saline fund and whatever money the state should receive 
from the United States in some safe stock to be known as the "Common 
School Fund." Whenever this fund should amount to $500,000 the 
profits from it were to be used in paying teachers. 

It was not until 1839 that anything like adequate legislation had 
been passed on the educational system of the state. Inasmuch as 
Adair County was created two years after this law was passed and 
whatever was done towards organizing the ])ul)lic school system within 



TiiK Public Schools. 167 

the county in it^; early years was done according to the provisions of 
this law of 1839, it is in order to give its provisions in some detail. 

The chief local unit in the system was the Congressional township. 
The officials of this school township was a Township Commissioner of 
Schools, not less than two nor more than four Inspectors of Schools, a 
Township Clerk, and a Board of Township Directors whi(;h was com- 
posed of the Commissioner and the Inspectors. The Commissioner 
and Inspectors were elective, the Clerk was appointed by the Board 
of Directors. The Commissioner received, apportioned and expended 
the school fund, and aided the Inspectors in inspecting the schools. 
He served for two years. The Inspectors examined teachers and granted 
certificates, visited all the schools in the township at least once a year 
and advised with the teachers and trustees. They were elected for one 
year. The Board of Directors divided the township into school dis- 
tricts, apportioned the school moneys among the districts, and made 
reports to the County Clerk. 

The numljer of school districts in every school township was de- 
termined by the township voters at the first township meeting after 
the organization of the township for school purposes. The officers 
of the school district were three trustees, a clerk and a collector. The 
nvmiber of trustees was afterwards changed to one, and then back again 
to three. These trustees were elected by the voters of the district for 
one year. They provided for the school building, employed the teach- 
ers and authorized the expenditure of school moneys. 

On turning from the law as it existed when the county was created 
to the schools of the county during the forties, we find that township 
Gl, range 13 was declared by the Adair County on May 8, 1843 to be 
School Township No. I of this county. This seems to be the first action 
taken l^y the county court relative to the provisions of the law of 1839. 
At the same time the sheriff was ordered to expose for sale the sixteenth 
section of township 61, range 13, the }3roceeds of which would be used 
for the school of School Township No. I. Moreover, the court appointed 
two inspectors and a commissioner for this school township. The names 
of the inspectors can not be made out from the scorched records of the 
county court. The commissioner was Levy Lansberry. This school 
township was in the extreme southeastern part of the county. 

It appears, however, that this school township was not actually- 
organized until 1844 or perhajjs even later, for in February, 1844, the 
county court re-ordered the organization of this school township and 
again appointed a commissioner and two inspectors. Moreover, the 
( ounty Treasurer's report made in August of tliat same year declares 



168 History of Adair County. 

that no f^chouls had heeu organized as \'et. In the course of time tlie 
county court ordered the formation of other scliool townshijis. hut 
there is nothino- to indicate whether the order was compUed with at 
once and schools put into operation or not. 

However, the sixteenth sections in the Congressional townships 
were from time to time ordered sold at $1.25 per acre, and the funds 
realized from the sales were set apart separately for each township 
with the provision that only the interest accruing was to he used in 
the townships respectively for school purposes. It is not known just 
when the sales were completed; they were still going on in 1855 and 
1856. It is quite likely that most of the sections were sold out by that 
time, as the entering of government lands in the county was practically 
completed by then. Nor is it known just how nmch was received from 
these sales originally. But as the township school funds have remained 
practically the same from the beginning, it is possible to approximate 
pretty closely the amounts originally received from the sale by studying 
the annual financial statements of the county. From the statement 
made in 1908 the following tabulation regarding the township school 
funds has been made. It shows just what each township has in the way 
of funds which are today bearing interest: 

Township 61, Range 13 $ 638_87 Township 63, Range 15 S 697.00 
Township 62, Range 13 61828 Township 64, Range 15 292_95 
Township 63, Range 13 1,005 16 Township 61, Range 16 593.05 
Township 64, Range 13 406 79 Township 62, Range 16 2,077 37 
Township 61, Range 14 1, 501 69 Township 63, Range 16 837-10 
Township 62, Range 14 1,987.01 Township 64, Range 16 448 95 
Township 63, Range 14 2,211.69 Township 61, Range 17 749.15 
Township 64, Range 14 1,435.85 Township 62, Range 17 996-54 
Townshi]:) 61, Range 15 497.65 Township 63, Range 17 1, 136 51 
Township 62, Range 15 330.84 Township 64, Range 17 172 85 

The great difference between the amounts received in the different 
townships for the same amount of land is due largely to the difference 
in the quality of the land in the various townships. 

That the educational system was progressing very slowly during 
the first ten years or more after the county was created, is shown by 
the fact that in 1852 there were onh' six schools in the comity and the 
average school term was only three months. As far as is known no 
record of the schools themselves up to that year has survived. We are 
compelled to depend upon tradition for any information concerning 
them, and that is likely to be wrong in many of its details. According 
to one tradition, the first school in the countv was taught by Manuel Pat- 



Thk Pitblic Schools. 169 

tcrsou in 1833. The first school in Benton townshij) is said to have 
been taught by Nathaniel Taylor. Among his pujiils were Noah Ad- 
kins, Josiah Rogers, William Taylor, and John Owenby. x\ccording 
to another tradition, a lawyer named Brower opened up a school in 
1838-39 in the vicinity of what was afterwards known as Kirksville. 
In 1841-42 there were said to have been just three schools in the county, 
and all of them were subscription schools: Taylor's school in Benton 
township; Harris' scliool in Liberty township, and Miss Louisa Clemen's 
school near Ringo's Point. We cannot tell whether these schools were 
maintained by public or i)rivate funds, Init it would not be at all haz- 
ardous to say that if they received any supi:)ort from ]:)ul)lic funds at 
all, that was not sufficient to keep them going. In the very earhest 
days "subscription" or i)rivate schools were the only kind in existence, 
and even when public sui:>iiort began to be given it was, as had been 
said, not sufficient to maintain the schools without extra private help. 
Even as late as 1867 the so called public schools in Kirksville were largely 
private schools. 

As for buildings, the earliest schools were "kept" in private school 
houses, log houses usually. In November, 1843, the county court or- 
dered that the people of Kirksville be allowed to use the court house for 
school purposes on condition that the business of the count}' should 
not be interfered with, and up to at least the war, the court house was 
used off and on for school purposes. In Deceml)er, 185(5, the court 
issued an order permitting S. Sherman to maintain a school in the court 
room until June 1, provided he would give bond to repair all damage 
that should be done to the furniture. 

In 1855 the State Legislature made a radical change in the local 
school organization. The chief local division was now the county, at 
the head of which was the County Commissioner elected every two 
years. He apportioned the various school moneys, inspected schools, 
examined teachers and granted certificates. The next local division 
below the county Avas the school township. Every Congressional 
township was constituted a school district unless the voters chose to 
divide it into sul^districts not exceeding four in number. Each district 
was under three trustees who employed teachers and levied taxes. 

At the time when this law was passed there were onl}' six school 
buildings in the county. The six teachers were all men, their average 
salary being $13.00 ])er month. Out of 1037 children of school age 
only 168 were enrolled in these six schools. 

In the next few years interest in schools began to increase. By 
1857 the number of school houses had increased to twentA'-six, and the 



170 History of Adair County. 

number of teachers to thirty-eight, five of whom were women. The 
percentage of attendance had also increased, for out of an enumeration 
of 2913, 1152 were enrolled in school. 

It is fitting that a letter which Su])t. J. M. Greenwood of the Kansas 
City Public Schools wrote to the author in reply to some inquiries, 
should be inserted here. It tells a great deal concierning the way schools 
were organized and conducted just prior to the war. It is as follows: 

"Replying to your letter concerning the school houses in Salt River 
and Wilson Townships in the early history of Adair County, I will go 
back to the situation in the autumn of 1852 when my parents moved 
to Adair County. At that time Salt River formed a part of Wilson 
Township. In 1852 there was a log school house on my father's farm 
about four hundred yards west of the old homestead. This house was 
built by a few families living on Timbered Branch and the South Fork 
of Timbered Branch. School had been taught in it two or three winter 
terms each by Mr. Hackley Allred, the father of Mr. Enoch Allred, and 
by a Mr. Robert Jennings. It was the first school house in what is now 
Salt River Township. The families whose children attended were the 
Earharts, Pershings, Allreds, Smiths, Halsteads, Rodebaughs, and Jen- 
nings. No school was held in it after my father bought the farm. In 
fact, the nearest was the Maxey school house on Salt River seven miles 
down the river in the Felts neighborhood. 

"In December, 1854, a school meeting was held at my grandfath- 
er's house, now the Sangster farm, on Timbered Branch, to organize a 
School District. The men present were my grandfather, Peyton Fos- 
ter, Abram Earhart, Squire John Smith, Edmund Greenwood (my 
father), Dow Kincaid, Hackley Allred, and J. D. Foster, later the Col- 
onel of the 22nd Regiment of Missouri Volunteers. Because I could 
write a ])retty fair hand, I acted as secretary. The meeting was called 
to order and the school district was organizcnl, and the men present 
contributed hnnber, work, and money to build the school house, but the 
work was not undertaken till after harvest the next fall. My grand- 
father deeded an acre of ground on the public road about three hundred 
yards northwest of his brick-house, as the school site. The little frame 
building was built by my uncle, Capt. H. B. Foster, then a young man. 

"The Trustees elected were Uncle John Smith, Abram Earhart, 
and Edmund Greenwood. In the fall of 1855, the directors waited for 
some school teacher to come along to take the school. There were 
eleven pujnls of school age in the district including myself. One young 
man did pass through, but he could teach only Latin and Algebra, so 
the Trustees did not hire him. Matters went on till December when 



TiiK Public Schools. 171 

UiK'le John Smith and Mr. Earhart, — father havhij^ no part in the 
business, — hired me at fifteen dollars a month to teach a three months' 
school. I have the certificate issued to me l)y Roljert Thompson, but 
there is no English grammar in it. Father bought a little box stove 
at Kirksville, and left it in the school house. ]My mother's youngest 
])rother, James Al. Foster, Jake Earhart, and myself set the stove up, 
built a flue for the chinmey, nuide a little walnut l)lackboard, but had 
no paint put on it. The benches were thick planks with wooden legs. 
This school house was weather boarded and stood in the middle of the 
hickory grove. It was called the "Foster School House." School 
opened on Wednesday, I think the 5th of December; there were nine 
boys and two little girls. The following Saturday night and Sunday 
a heavy snow fell, and none but the boys attended the remainder of the 
term. 

"A year before this date, Sciuire WilHam Brashears, Thomas and 
John Thrasher, George Conkle, Robert Propst, Meshack Long and his 
father, Adam Long, Dorman Holiday, William Watson, Jamison Vise, 
and George W. Chaml^erlain, built the "Brashears School House" on 
Hog Branch, about a quarter of a mile west of "Squire Brashears' Home- 
stead." Mr. George W. Ghamberlain taught the first school in that 
school house during the winter of 1854-55, and I went to that school 
25 clays. 

"A young man by the name of William Ewing from Lewis County, 
taught the school there the same winter that I tried to teach the little 
school in the "Foster School." 

"The next August, Squire Brashears, Richard Brashears' father, 
Thomas Thrasher, and Mr. George Conkle, believing I had succeeded 
in my first school, hired me to teach a subscription school in their school 
house. I began in August, 1856, and closed in November. For my 
work of three months, I received $69.20, a part of which was paid by 
the state during the following winter. 

"The next year the people living further down on Hog Branch, and 
a family or two on Deer Branch (Squire Smith having sold out his claim 
on Timbered Branch to Henry Garlock, and then living on Deer Branch), 
organized a school district and built a school house near Mr. Conkle's 
residence, now in the town of Brashear. This was called the "Thrasher 
School House," and also the "White School House," because it was 
painted white. It was ])lastered inside, and it was the first plastered 
school house in that part of the county. 

"In the winter of 1856-7, I went to school in Kirksville, and in the 
autunm of 1857, I went to Canton, Missouri, to school. However, in 



172 History of Adair County. 

the month of August, 1857, I taught a "Singing Geography Class" of 
ten days at the "White School House," and all the young folks for miles 
around attended. It Avas a horseback school. 

"During the winter of 1858-9, Mr. George Coiikle, Mr. John Thrash- 
er, and Uncle John Smith, hired me to teach a four months' school at 
the "White School House." The spring being wet and backward, I 
gave one week free, teaching 85 days instead of 80 days. The boys and 
girls wanted me to do it, and I taught, or tried to teach, for the love and 
the fun of it. During this period and for a year thereafter, I was en- 
deavoring to regain my health which had been impaired by too severe 
study and too little exercise. I received $30 a month. 

"During the spring and summer follo\\'ing, I taught a three months' 
term in our home district, and during the following winter I taught an- 
other term of four months. I received $30 a month. The trustees 
were Mr. Samuel Merrill, Mr. Abram Earhart, and Mr. Henry Gar- 
lock. The Foster School house caught fire a year or two later and burned. 
The School District was divided and a new school house erected north 
of the Earhart residence about a mile distant, and it was there the last 
time I passed through that neighborhood. In all the schools except the 
first one, I had from 40 to 70 pupils every day, unless the severity of 
the weather kept the little ones at home, so rapidly did the country set- 
tle up." 

From 1861 to 1865 all the public schools in the county were prac- 
tically sus]:)ended on account of the war. In the report to the 
State SujH'rintendent concerning the schools of the county in 1865 we 
find them to be in as good condition as could be expected after four 
years of disorganization. Out of an enumeration of 13,937, 2,574 were 
enrolled, and there were 71 teachers in the county, 37 of whom were 
women. But in many tlistricts it was difficult to find enough men who 
Avere willing to serve as school dii'ectors. Teachers were often unable 
to find any one who was willing to assume the responsibility of employ- 
ing teachers. Because of the refusal of directors to serve, many districts 
were completely (lisorganiz(Hl. 

From 1865 to 1875 vigorous etlorts were made throughout the state 
to unify the school system. Laws were enacted to ])rovide for county 
supervision and for uniform township and district taxation. During 
this period the present small school district was made permanent, and 
the system of State Normal Schools was estal)lished. 

The establishment of Normal Schools had an important connection 
with the schools of Adair County. In letters from the County Superin- 
tendents of the county the imjiortance of th(> First District Normal 



TiiK Public Schools. 173 

School at Kirkyville in training the teacliers of the county is constantly 
emphasized. This training was something l)atlly needed for in the ear- 
li<n- years they had l)een very inadequately prepared for their work, one 
reason for which was undoubtedly the meagre salaries they got. 

By 1S72 there were 7-i school districts in the county, and at least 
that many schools in operation. There was also said to be one High 
School which had l)een in existence since 1868, but just where it was 
located, what it was, and how it was conducted are questions which 
the records wall not solve. 

In 1874 a new school law was passed by which in manner at least 
the County Superintendent's office was abolished. Instead, the office 
of County Commissioner was created. Visitation of schools was al^ol- 
ished, and about all that was left for the County Commissioner to do 
was to examine teachers, grant certificates, and make reports to the 
State Superintendent. He was elected every two years. 

The township board of trustees was also abolished at this time. 
Each school district was made a separate unit, and the clerk of what was 
formerly the sub-district was left to make the reports to the school of- 
ficers of the county. With the exception of a change in the term of the 
local directorship from one to three years, the governing board of each 
school district remained the same as before. 

There are at present (1911) eighty school districts in the county. 
The>' were all renumbered last year by the county court in accordance 
with a law passed in 1909 requiring all the county courts to follow a 
uniform system of numbering. 

Each district, with five exceptions, has a Board of Directors com- 
posed of three members elected for three years, one member retiring 
every -year. Kirksville, Novinger, Brashear, Connelsville, and Wil- 
mathville have Boards of six members, two retiring each year. The 
clerk is elected by the Board, and may be one of their own members, or 
he may be outside of the Board. 

The size of the school district depends on the action taken by the 
jieople who organize it or those who later may wish to alter it. The 
districts in the western part of the county are practically all of them 
three miles square, but those in the eastern part are smaller and are of 
different sizes. There has been little tendency towards district con- 
solidation, l)ut there is need for it in several instances. There are eight 
tlistricts where the average attendance is less than eight; there are twen- 
ty-three districts with less then twenty pupils, and twenty-six with less 
than thirty pupils. Moreover, there are a few districts where the a.s- 
sessed valuation is so low that the school terms are only five or six months. 
These conditions argue strongly in favor of consolidation at once. 



174 History of Adair County. 

Several special activities connected with the schools of the county 
should perhaps be mentioned here. About 1870 a great deal of interest 
began to be taken in the county institute. These institutes Avere held 
in Kirksville, and the members of the Normal School Faculty were 
often secured as instructors. The importance of these institutes con- 
tinued to be emphasized down to 1903 when they were abolished by 
law and the county teachers' association and the approved summer 
school were instituted in its place. 

In the nineties the importance of school libraries began to receive 
attention in this county as well as in other counties. As late as 1894, 
however, Adair County could not be included in a list of counties having 
library facilities equal to those in the lead. 

In 1899 a liljrary law was passed by the State Legislature requiring 
that school l>oards should provide school libraries by spending annually 
not less than five cents per child enumerated in the district for library 
purposes. In 1901 another law was passed creating a State Library' 
Board of five members. The effect of this new interest in school libra- 
ries, while not so great as it seems it should have been, has increased 
the library facilities of all the counties some. In 1899 there were only 
192 volumes in all the school libraries of Adair County. In 1908 there 
were 5851. Onlj^ two schools are at present without a library. This 
increase in the library facilities means a great deal in the greater efficiency 
of school work. 

The last important development made in the school system of Adair 
County was the adoption of the county supervision in 1905. An effort 
had been made in 1888 to get the people to vote to have the County 
Commissioner devote all his time to the supervision of the schools in 
the county, but the proposition was overwhelmingly defeated at the 
polls. In 1905, however, it was carried by a good majority, and W. J. 
Banning was elected County Superintendent. In 1909, a law was passed 
compelling all the counties to have county supervision. 

All tlie schools of this county except Kirksville have been since 
1905, under the supervision of the County Superintendent. They are 
following api)roximat(^ly the same course at the same time. On finish- 
ing the eighth grade the pupil is given a county diploma and an entrance 
certificate to any high school in the state. Annual graduating exer- 
cises are held in Kirksville during the summer. The classes have num- 
bered over one hundred in the past two years. In 1909, out of the 
graduating class of 113, fifty i)er cent went on with their work in a high 
school or normal school. 

In the eight}' school districts of the county there are at present 



The Public Schools. 



175 



ciji-hty-five school buildings containing one hundred and twenty-five 
rooms. In the last few years a noticeable improvement has taken 
place in the school buildings. In addition to the erection of large and 
more substantial ])uildings in Kirksville and the smaller towns and vil- 
lages, there have been built better country school houses. There are 
at present five country school houses built after the model designed by 
President John R. Kirk; four of these are accorchng to his original plan, 
and one, the Bryant School House, is according to the Model Rural 
School House on the Normal School campus, except for the basement. 
Even those built in recent years which were not patterned after the 
Kirk plan, are usually better than those built thirty years or more ago. 
Nearly every school building has pictures on the walls, its walls painted 
and papered, l^linds at the mndows, and individual drinking cups. Some 
buildings are heated with furnaces, others by jacketed stoves. In many 
places the single modern desks are to be found. 

Not only has there been an improvement in buildings but there has 
been an increase in the enrollment and an increase in the percentage 
of the enumeration enrolled. In 1868 only one-half of the enumera- 
tion were enrolled. In recent years about five-sixths of the enumera- 
tion have been enrolled. The following tabulation reveals the situation 
in the county, including Kirksville, for the last eight years: 



YEAR 


PUPILS ENUMERATED 


PUPILS ENROLLED 


PUPILS NOT IN SCHOOL 


1903 


6458 


5292 


1166 


1904 


6800 


5466 


1334 


1905 


7108 


5507 


1601 


1906 


6605 


6010 


595 


1907 


6498 


5530 


968 


1908 


6231 


5307 


924 


1909 


6403 


5528 


875 


1910 


6394 


5109 


1294 



The following statistics furnished by County Superintendent Sip- 
pie show how the enumeration and enrollment for 1910-11 in certain 
school districts compare: 



176 



History of Adair County. 



SCHOOL 

Bra^^hear 

Connelsville 

Gibbs 

Mulberry 

Novinger 

Wilmathsville 

Curtis 

Green Grove 

Hazel Creek 

Kent 

Liberty 

Mt. C^armel (Nind) . . . . 
Pleasant Hill, No. 16 . . . 

Red (Stahl) 

Shibley's Point 

Western Elm Grove . . . . 



ENUMERATION ' ENROLLMENT 



120 


104 


381 


350 


87 


72 


100 


74 


626 


475 


50 


40 


72 


48 


74 


55 


110 


63 


70 


50 


71 


41 


78 


62 


79 


45 


114 


74 


73 


66 


71 


41 



The marked increase in the percentage of the enumeration enrolled 
in 1906 is due in part to the decrease in the enumeration and in part to 
the enforcement of the truancy law which went into effect that year. 
The year 1910-11 is marked, however, by a drop in the percentage of 
the enumeration enrolled. 

The first six of these schools employ one or more teachers. The 
rest are one-room and one-teacher rural schools. 

There are between 125 and 150 different teachers employed during 
the school year. Of the 125 teaching in December, 1910, only one had 
never had any training beyond the eighth grade. Usually the teachers 
of the county have from one to five years of high school and college 
work and many have had additional college work. (3f the 125 teach- 
ing in the winter term of 1910-11, 30 were men and 95 were women. 

The salaries of the teachers have increased some since the war. 
In 1909 the average salary of the Adair County teacher was $42.50 per 
month, but it is a noticeable fact that throughout the history of the 
county the salaries of the teachers have been 1ow(m- than those of a num- 
})er of other counties in the state. 

It costs al)Out 850,000 a year to run the schools of the county. Of 
this amount the state i)ays about $10,000. 



The Public Schools. 177 



Section II — The Kirksville Schools. 

We have no records from which to relate the history of tlie first 
schools in Kirksville. The town was laid out in 1841, and inasmuch as 
it was the county seat and centrally located, it began to grow from the 
first. But how much was done towards getting the school system or- 
ganized prior to the outbreak of the war can not ])e said. It is known 
tiiat Prof. W . P. Nason opened up a school in town in the fall of lSr)7 
and maintained it until the spring of 18G0. He first used a rented l)uild- 
ing, but in 1858 he erected a building of his own on the corner of Flor- 
ence and Buchanan streets, and conducted his school in that. His 
school was supported in part by whatever public revenues existed for 
public education in the town, but chiefly by tuition fees. The enroll- 
ment was as high as 130 at one time, and two or three assistants were 
always employed. In the fall of 1860 Prof. Nason rented his buikUng 
to the Kirksville Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church 
for the use of the Cuml)erland Academy Avhich the Presbytery had al- 
ready organized. A special building was then in process of construc- 
tion for this academy. The excitement throughout the county in 1860- 
61 put an end to the Cuml^erland Academy as a school, and during that 
year the work on the building was also suspended. Prof. Nason re- 
sumed his teaching in Kirksville in his own building in 1861-62. He 
then left the county and did not return until the spring of 1865, when 
he remained for six months conducting a spring and summer school. 
He left again but returned in the fall of 1866 and maintained a school 
that year in the Free Will Baptist church which stood where the present 
M. E. Church, South, stands. 

As has been said. Prof. Nason's schools Avere supported in part by 
])ublic funds and in part by tuition fees. Whether the schools that were 
maintained here from 1862 to 1866 while he was out of the county, were 
supported by public funds too cannot be said. A Mrs. Bryson conducted 
a school in 1865-66, and it may be she received some pubhc support. 

From all the evidences at hand it seems that the public school 
system began to take its present shape in Kirksville in 1867. The school 
directors elected in March, 1867 were O. H. Beeman, J. M. Smith, 
.1. B. Brewington, A. D. Risdon, W. H. Freeman and J. G. Jamison. 
In 1867-68 the public schools were conducted in the Free Will Baptist 
chui'ch and the Mercer building, with D. T. Truitt, Miss Harris and 
Miss Lewis as teachers. It may ])e noted here tliat in September, 
1867, President J. Baldwin opened up his North Missouri Normal 
School in Kirksville, with Prof. Nason as one of his faculty. Although 

13 



178 History of Adair County. 

students of all ages were admitted in this Normal School and though 
private schools were also maintained, the public schools continued to 
go on. Among those who conducted private schools after 1867 were 
Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Bryson in 1867, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mercer in 
1868, and others on into the seventies. 

In 1869 the public schools of Kirksville began to give evidences 
of new life. In August of that year work began on the construction 
of a two story brick building of four rooms which cost when completed 
$6,000. This stood on the site of the present Washington Scliool build- 
ing. This meant that the inconvenience of ill-adapted rented Ijuild- 
ings would be done away with for a while at least. But in a few years 
complaint was being made that it was not large enough to accommodate 
the students, and the Board was compelled to rent various buildings, 
some of them dwelling houses, in different parts of the town in order that 
all the children might be accommodated. The Wilcox, Hooper and 
Tuttle buildings were used at different times. The Hooper building 
was more generally known as the "cheese factory," and the school in 
it was known as the Benton school. This building stood on First street 
south of Normal avenue, and was used to accommodate the students 
in the southern part of town. It is still standing and has been made 
over into a dwelling. At one time the negro church building was used, 
for which the Board agreed to pay off the indebtedness upon it. All 
these arrangements were made pending the time when new school build- 
ings could be erected by the town. 

By 1882 agitation was l)egun in favor of Ijuilding mort> school 
l)uildings, and on May 6 a proposition was submitted to the people to 
issue bonds to the amount of $25,000 to erect a school building. The 
proposition failed to carry. 

In April, 1883 the matter was submitted again but in a different form. 
The people were asked to express themselves as to levying a tax for the 
purpose of purchasing a building site and also as to which they pre- 
ferred, one or two new buildings. The vote on the tax levy for a site 
was 79 for and 226 against; that on one school house, 167 for and 129 
against; that on two school houses, 99 for and 141 against. jNIatters 
were made almost immediat(4y worse ])y tltc destruction by fire of the 
Ivie l)uilding which stood on the corner of Franklin and Illinois streets, 
on .\pril 20. This building which had formerly stood on the east side 
of the square, had been used, after having been removed, as the pri- 
mary school ])uilding. Agitation was at once renewed and several mass 
me(^tings were held to get the expressions of opinions of the citizens. 
Finally in June another proposition to issue bonds for $25,000 to erect 



I — > 







180 History of Adair County. 

two l)ui]cliiigs, a central school building costing $25,000, and a building 
in the southern part of town costing $5,000, was su];)initted, and this, 
too, was lost by a vote of 128 for and 279 against. 

It was not until 1887 that the matter was lirought up again. Mass 
meetings were held at the Masonic Hall during February and March, 
and a proposition to issue bonds for $21,000 was submitted. The plan 
contemplated putting $15,000 in a central school buikUng, $2,500 in a 
north w^ard building, $2,500 in a south ward l)uilding, and $1,000 in a 
building for negroes. The proposition failed to carry Ijy a very slight 
vote. It now became evident that the only objection to the proposi- 
tion was in the way the buildings were to be erected, so another proposi- 
tion to expend $25,000 for two buildings which should be about the same 
in cost, was submitted and carried in May by a vote of 383 to 93. 

The Board removed the building built in 1869 on the site of the pres- 
ent Washington Building and erected the latter. At the same time it 
erected the present Benton Building. P. M. Smith had the contract 
for erecting thero both at a cost of $20,880. The schools did not open 
until November that year, and even then only the Washington building 
was ready for use. Pending the completion of the other, the basement 
of the Mercantile College building was used. When they were com- 
pleted they were both alike and the pride of the town. 

The enrollment in the schools, however, increased so rapidh' it 
soon became again necessary to rent more rooms until new buildings 
could be provided. Some of the primary grades were moved to the 
upper floor of the building now used by the Kirksville Roller Mills and 
in 1897 the High School was moved from the Washington building to 
the okl Mercantile College building, the present Harrington theatre. 

In 1898 an effort was made to provide for another building. A 
proposition was submitted to the people to issue $12,000 in bonds to 
erect two new ward school buildings. This was defeated by a vote of 
329 for and 406 against. The next year another proposition was sub- 
mitted which provided for $35,000 to erect a building in the second ward 
and also a High School iMiikhng. This proposition carried on April 
4 by a vote of 1023 for and 228 against. 

In June, 1899, the contract was let for both buildings t'oi- the sum of 
$20,485, an unusually low price. The rest of the money realized from 
the bonds was used in buying the two blocks of land on which these 
houses were built, and school equipment. The second ward building 
was given the name of Willard School, and was first occupied in January, 
1900, but it Avas not fully completed until later. The High School 
building Avas occupied in 1900 also. 



z 

H 
O 

Z 



W 




182 History of Adair County. 

Besides the four buildings for white children there is also one for 
negroes called the Lincoln School. The first mention that has l)een found 
of a school for negroes was in 1874-75. Mrs. A. D. Risdon was secured 
to teach it. As a usual thing a negro man has since been secured to do 
that. The contract was let for the erection of a building in June, 1877. 
An addition was put on in 1890. 

At the present time (1911) there is pressing need for more room, 
especially in the grades, and it is only a question of time when new build- 
ings will have to be provided for. 

One of the signs of the popularity and efficiency of a public school 
is in the increase in the enrollment and average daily attendance. The 
first definite report we have of the Kirksville School shows a decidedly 
deplorable condition. This report is for the year ending October 31, 1869, 
the year in which the first brick public school building was begun. Accord- 
ing to it the enrollment was 494, but the average daily attendance was 
only 64, or only 12 per cent. No explanations are available for tiiat 
condition. 

But things began to mend very shortly. In the printed report of 
Principal Selden Sturgis for the year 1870-71 he reported 427 enrolled 
and an average daily attendance of 209, or a little less than 50 per cent. 
In the next annual report he was happy to state that Avhile the enroll- 
ment was 401, 26 less than the year before, the average daily attendance 
had increased until it was 54 per cent of the enrollment. He explains 
that if the school term had not been so long, eight months, the average 
daily attendance would have been greater, as the students dropped out 
in large numbers during the last month. This complaint on the part 
of the students aloout eight months being too long sounds odd to those 
who are now accustomed to even longer terms with no sense of fatigue. 

Principal Sturgis com]ilained in his reports of the irregularity of 
attendance, the failure to be prompt, and the lack of systematic grading 
of th(^ pupils. For years after him his succ(>ssors made similar com- 
plaints about irregular attendance and lack of ])rom])tness. He was 
able in his time to begin the systematic classification of the ])upils and 
thus raise the school abov(> the level of the ungraded coimtry school, 
but his successors had long to deal with the other pro])lems. 

In 1879 the enrollment was 642 with an average daily attendance 
of 450. In 1887 it had run up to 712, and in 1895 to 1048, and in 1911 
to 1204. 

The enforcement of the ti'iiauc>' law h;is had something to do with 
increasing the enrollment and Mtlcndancc, but the most important 



184 History of Adair County. 

reason for these improvements lies in the greater interest of the parents 
in the success of their children and of the schools in general. 

The work done l^y the schools was not extensive at first. Up to 
1871-72 there were only four grades taught, though there is no doubt 
but tliat certain pupils were given more advanced work when they 
wanted it. In 1871-72 the fifth grade was added. It is impossil)le to 
say just when other grades were added, but by 1883-84 there were eight 
grades. By 1893-94 High School work was being done, but it was not 
until 1897-98 that this was made a four year course. 

The length of the school term has been increased from four months 
in 1869 to nine months. It was eight months for a long time. In 1871- 
72 it was eight months, but it cannot be said tliat it remained that long 
continuously until the nine months' term was inaugurated. It was 
1906 before that was clone. 

The corps of teachers has been increased gradually from two or 
three, as it was in 1867, to thirty-one. It is impossible to state the in- 
crease year by year, but it is known that there was ten in 1879, twelve 
in 1887, nineteen in 1895, and thirty-one in 1911. Of these thirty-one, 
twenty-four are in the grades and seven in the High School. 

The Superintendents, or Principals as they were called in the earlier 
years, of the Kirksville Schools, have been since 1869 as follows: 

1867-68— D. T. Truitt. 1882-85— R. R. Steele. 

1868-69— B. F. Heiny 1885-87— D. N. Kennedy. 

1869-70-F. L. Ferris. 1887-91— D. T. Gentry. 

1870-72— Selden Sturgis. 1891-98— W. R. Holloway. 

1872 -73— C. H. Butcher. 1898-01— C. S. Brother. 

1873-74— Wilcox. 1901-05-E. E. Funk. 

1874-76— J. P. Wallace. 1905 07— H. H. Laughlin. 

1876-77— C. M. PoUey. 1907-08— W. J. Banning. 

1877-79— L. M. Johnson. 1908-10— E. O. Jones. 

1879-81— G. A. Smith. 1910-11— C. E. Banks. 

1881-82— Ahce Heath. 

In 1906 a Supervisor of Music and Art was adcU^l to the teaching 
force of the schools, and a teacher in domestic science is contem])lated 
in the near future for tlu^ high school and the upjier grades of the ward 
schools. 

The High School was first organized in the Washington School. 
The first mention nuide of it in the availat)le records of the Kirksville 
School District is in the minutes of a Board meeting for April 28, 1893, 
when V\' . R. Laughlin was elected Principal of the High School at a 



a: 

CD 



CO 




186 History of Adair County. 

salary of $50 per month. It is more than likely that some high school 
work had been done before that, and that this was just the first step 
towards the formal organization of the work l^eyond the eighth grade. 

Owing to the crowded condition of the schools, the High School 
was moved in 1897 to the Mercantile College building, which has since 
been remodeled into the Harrington theatre. Here it remained until 
it was installed in the present High School building in 1899-1900. 

The teaching force of the High School was at first not over two or 
three. When W. R. Laughlin Avas elected Principal of the High School 
for 1893-94, it may be he was the entire High School faculty. From time 
to time additions have been made until at present there are seven teach- 
ers giving practically all their time to High School instructi(m. With 
this increase in the teaching force it has been possible to organize depart- 
ments and maintain them with some efficiency. The. present depart- 
ments are History, English, Sciences, Languages, and Mathematics. 
Manual Training, Art and Music are also taught. 

The number of graduates from the High School have been 172. 

The Principals of the High School have been as follows: 

1893-95— W. R. Laughlin. 1903-06— L. A. Moorman. 

1895-97— C. S. Brother. 1906-08— E. 0. Jones. 

1897-00— O. H. Lind. 1908-10— C. E. Banks. 

1900-02— H. H. Laughlin. 1910-11— W. E. Tydings. 

1902-03— S. W. Longan. 

Section III — The Schools of the Smaller Towns. 

NoviNGER. — The public school of Novinger has grown up with the 
town out of a country school that existed in that vicinity before thei'e 
was a town. According to some of the older citizens of the town, the 
first school liouse in that vicinity was a log structure of one room whicli 
stood where the Midland church now stands, llie teacher was Robert 
McAlister, a full-blooded Irisliman. It is said that the second school 
house was a frame building of one room which stood on the topmost 
height of Pennyroyal Hill. Chester Brown of Pennsylvania "kept 
school" in it. The third one was l)uilt at the foot of this hill, and Robci't 
Dolan was the teacher for a whih> at least. 

It is not possible to state whether the first school was a private or 
public school. It may have been supi:)orted partly by jmblic funds 
and partly ])\ i)rivate funds, it is more than likely that the second 
one was a public scliool and tiiere is pi'()l)al)ly no (loul)t but Uiat the third 
was. 

The third one was in existence when the town l)egan to boom in 
1900. ^^'ith the rapid gi'owth of tlie town, new and better school facil- 



TiiK Public Schools. 



187 



iti(\s wore neetled, and they wvw not lon^' in beins sccui-cd. In 1902 a 
fonr room brick building was erected at a cost of $4,000, but it was burned 
to the ground within five months after its completion. An eight room 
brick building was erect eil innnediately on the site of the one bm'ned 
and has been in use ever since. It is heated by steam and is fairly mod- 
ern. It cost $9,000. The funds \vere not sufficient at the time to erect 




Public School, Novinger. 



such a building, but several ])ersons who were vitally interested in the 
success of the school and saw what its need would shortly be, advanced 
$3,000 and trusted to the district for a future reiml)ur'sement. 

In March, 1905, the Novinger District was made a special district 
which enabled the voters to make the school levy heavier than in ordi- 
nary districts. The Board of Directors v/as then increased from three to six. 

The length of term has been somewhat increased. In 1899 it was 
six months, and in 1904 it was raised to eight months, but in 1905 it 
was lowered to seven months. 

The teaching force now includes seven teachers. 

The Princi]ials, as far as they have been ascertained, have been as 
follows : 

1898-99— Leoti Walters. 1902-07— John H. Simjison. 

1899-00— J. J. Harris. 1907 10— W. W. Shoop. 

1900-01— C. M. Hughes. 1910-11— J. B. Runnells. 

1901-02 . 



188 History of Adair County. 

Brashear. — The public school of Brashear is an outgrowth of a 
country school known as the White School. This was conducted in a 
school house a short distance of what is now Brashear, which was built 
in 1857. O. P. Smith is said to have taught the first school in it. J. M. 
Greenwood, Superintendent of the Kansas City Schools since 1874, 
taught the school in 1858-59. In a previous section of this chapter a 
letter from Supt. Greenwood was quoted, giving at length some of the 
history of this school and others of that vicinity. 

The White School was continued until one was established at Brs- 
shear aljout 1873 or 1874. The building erected in Brashear was a 
one-room frame affair, and was used imtil a])out 1890, when a two-room 
frame was built. In 1900 a neat three-room brick w^as erected at a 
cost of .1f4,000. 

The Brashear school has shown considerable advancement since the 
erection of the present building. The course of study has l)een extended 
so that some high school work is now being done. The term has l^een 
lengthened to eight months. The enrollment now amounts to about 
one hundred. 

An effort was made to ascertain who have been Principals from the 
beginning, but the records prior to 1899 are missing, so that the first 
could not be made up. Prior to 1899 the names of only two Principals 
have been found. They are Emma Smith, 1887-88, and M. E. Der- 
fler, 1892-93. The Principals since 1899 are as follows: 

1899- 00— J. S. Bailey. 1905-06— A. J. Newman. 

1900-01— J. R. Johnslon. 1900 07— Mrs. A. Featherstone. 

1901-02— C. F. Holland. 1907-09- W. H. Fugate. 

1902-03— W. J. Banning. 1909-10— A. B. Cluster. 

1903-01— C. G. Truitt. 1910- 11— J. E. Scotten. 

1904-05- -T. J. Lewis. 

GiBBS. — The Gibbs School has grown out of what was known as 
the Union School, which was situated about one mile northwest of the 
present site of Gil)bs, near the Union cemetery. A log school building 
w'as built there long l:»cfore the Civil War, and for a numl)er of years a 
subscription school was conducted in it. The first free public school 
was opened there in 1807 with an enrollment of al)out thirty. In that 
same year a new frame building was erected on a site which is now in 
the northern ])art of Gibbs. Some years later another building was 
erected on this same site. Then in 1900 that building was moved to 
the piiice wliere it now stands and another room added to i1. 



Thk Public Schools. 189 

From 18G7 to 1900 tlic scliool term had not been over seven months, 
but in 1900 it wus raised to eiji:ht. The enroUment has ])een in the neigh- 
borhood of 70 ever since 1900. It was 78 in March, 1911. 

The Principals since 1900 have been: 

1900-01— Walter Henninser. 1905-06— Robert St. Clair. 

1901-03— Foster Easley. 1906 07— E. T. Barnes. 

1903-04— George Barnes. 1907-09— Ada Newton. 

1904-05— James Bear. 1909-10— W. B. Wilson. 

1905-06— Ed. Rutherford (died). 1910-11— Fred L. Sloop. 

CoNXELSViLLE. — The school in this district has an unusual history. 
During the time of the German conmiunistic colony at Nineveh, the 
school was located there. After that colony was dissolved the school 
was removed to the center of the district, which placed it fully one-half 
mile from any public road. It could be reached only by footpaths 
through the woods. This building was burned in 1902 and a new one 
was erected in 1903, west of the former building, so that it is one and 
one-half miles from the town of Connelsville. This school has l)een 
known as the Amick School. 

When Connelsville began to grow the need of a school in the town 
was felt, and for several years an old store building was used. The dis- 
trict ^vas organized as a village school district in 1904 with W. W. Shoop 
and an assistant as teachers. The next year G. F. Davis was elected as 
Principal with two assistants. Mr. Davis served until 1909, when J. 
G. \'an Sickel was elected Principal with three assistants. 

During the summer of 1909 a modern four-room school building 
was erected at a cost of $5,500. At present five teachers are employed, 
and two yearsof high school work are done. The enrollment in 1910-11 
is 352. 



CHAPTER XL 
THE NORMAL SCHOOL. 

Prior to 1870 the State of Missouri had made no provision for tlie 
training of teachers for the pubhc schools except what had been done 
in 1867 in the creation of a Normal Department in the State Univer- 
sity. A law had been passed in 1849 creating a professorship of the the- 
ory and practice of teaching in the Universitj^, but the Board of Cu- 
rators declined to comply with that act on the ground that the finan- 
ces of the institution would not permit it. In 1855 an attempt was 
made to secure more liberal provisions for this work, but it failed. In 
1867, however, the matter was carried through and the above men- 
tioned Normal Department was established. 

But the impossibility of this single department doing all or e^"en 
half of the work that was needed in the training of teachers was so thor- 
oughly understood by leaders in education that the persistent efforts 
they had been making for many years for Normal Schools, was kept 
up until they succeeded in getting what they wanted in 1870. From 
1842 to 1870 every State Superintendent of Schools or every Secretary 
of State, who by law had jurisdiction over the educational system of 
the state during the terms the office of State Superintendent was abol- 
ished, made regular biennial recommendations to the Legislature in 
favor of State Normal Schools. The Governors during this period 
frequently mentioned the subject favorably and sometimes insisted 
upon it at length. The State Teachers' association passed resolutions 
in favor of the Legislature creating State Normal Schools at least three 
different times, that is in 1856, 1866 and 1868. In addition to these 
exi)ressions from the Teachers' Association, agitation was carried on 
by several leaders in education in a great variety of ways. Among 
these were Joseph Baldwin, President of the North Missouri Normal 
School at Kirksville; Major J. B. Merwin, Editor of the American 
Journal of Education; Supt. Ira Divoll, and Principal W. T. Harris 
of St. Louis; and Supt. E. B. Neeley of St. Joseph. 

The agitation carried on by state officials and tea(;hers finally cul- 
minated in the passing of a bill, approved March 19, 1870, which created 
tvv'o normal school districts in the state, and made provision for the 
location of a State Normal School in each district. The First District 



The Normal School 



191 



Normal School was located at Kirksville, tlie Secoiul District Normal 
School at Warronsburg. But before relating how this was done, it is 
necessary to know something of the history of the North Missouri Nor- 
mal School at Kirksville. 

In February, 1867, Prof. Joseph Baldwin came from Indiana to 
Missouri to find a suitable location for a Normal School, (^n the thir- 




President Joseph Baldwin. 
(From a Photograph taken about 1880.) 

teenth day of that month he arrived in Kirksville, and though it was a 
town without railroads and without any prospect for the future, he de- 
cided after spending two or three days here, that this v/as the place for 
his school. Arrangements were made for the use of a building known 
as the Cumberland Academy building for the contemi)lated Normal 
School. A word concerning this building is here in order. 

In December, 1859, the Kirksville Presbytery of the Cumberland 



192 



History of Adair County. 



Presl)yterian Church decided, at ,its session in Kirksville, to establisli 
a male and female school in that town which should be known as the 
Cumberland Academy. A Board of Trustees was appointed and the 
work of getting funds was begun. The Board decided to open the school 
at once without waiting for the building to be completed, and on March 
22, I860, the school was opened in a rented Ijuilding, with Rev. Amos 



T I 




Cumberland Academy, 



Cox as I'rincipal and Miss Maria Ellis as assistant. Theeni'ollment tluit 
spring was about fifty. The second session was opened in September, 
1860, and in the meanwhile work was begun on the new building. But 
owing to the excitement into which the country was thrown during the 
latter part of 1860, the school was suspended and the work on the build- 
ing discontinued. The school was never moved nor was the building 
ever finished bv the Kirksville Pres])vterv. The Presl)vter^■; was en- 



The Normal School. 193 

ahU'd l3y the Legislature in 1865 to dispose of tlie ]iroi(erty, and after 
changing hands several times it came into the possession of a stock 
company. It was Avith this stock company that Professor Baldwin 
made arrangements for the use of it for his Normal School. 

This building stood on the block where J. A. Cooley's residence 
(formerly known as the Ringo residence) now stands, at the corner of 
Mulanix and Hickory streets. It Avas a large two story frame building 
with a tall steeple, and faced the west. Professor Baldwin fmished the 
ui)per floor and divided the lower floor into three or four classrooms by 
means of sliding blackboard partitions which permitted the whole floor 
to be thrown open for chapel use and public exercises. He also built 
a one story Hat roofed addition on the rear of the original building. 
This added three rooms. He replaced the old rail fence with a board 
and later a hedge fence. In view of these extensive improvements 
made by Prof. Baldwin, the company agreed to let him have the building 
for two years for one hundred dollars a year. 

At the time when Prof. Baldwin decided to locate his school at 
Kirksville there Avas only one normal school in the state and that Avas the 
St. Louis City Normal School Avhich had been established in October, 
1857, for the purpose of training Avomen avIio Avished to become teachers 
in the schools of that city. OAving to the fact that this school Avas strictly 
a local institution, tlie field as regards the state at large Avas unoccupied 
in 1867. To Professor Bakhvin there justly belongs, therefore, the credit 
of having inaugurated the normal school system of the state. 

After having made his arrangements for the building. Professor 
BaldAAdn then selected his faculty. Conditional arrangements had 
been made Avith Professor and Mrs. F. L. Ferris of IdaA-ille, Indiana, 
before he came out to Missouri to look over the field. On his return 
he made definite arrangements Avith them for the Avork. During his 
A'isit in Kirks\dlle, he secured the promise of Prof. W. P. Nason, Avho 
Avas then teaching a semi-public school in Kirksville, to be one of the 
faculty. After returning to Kirksville Avith his famil}^ early in the 
spring. Prof. Baldwin made the acquaintance of Mr. and IMrs. J. M. 
Greenwood, Avho Avere living southeast of Kirksville on a farm. The 
occasion of the first meeting Avas a trip made by him to the GreeuAvood 
farm to buy a cow. He Avas invited to stay for dinner and Avhile being 
entertained in the house, he discovered that Mr. Greenwood had a good 
mathematical library, and became very much interested in him. Later 
he invited him to be one of the faculty and got his consent. At the same 
time Mrs. GreenAvood Avas also secured. These five persons made up 
the original faculty. 



194 



History of Adair County. 



The school opened on September 2, 1867 in the remodeled Cumber- 
land Academy. President Baldwin canvassed the county thoroughly 
the preceding summer, assisted some by Professors Nason and Green- 
wood. President Baldwin traveled over sixteen counties in northeast- 
ern Missouri in a two-horse buggy, and so thoroughly did he cover the 
field that l)oth buggy and team were said to have been "literallj^ worn 
out." 




Professor W. P. Xasox. 
(From a Photograph taken about 1880.) 



The students who gathered at the ojx'ning of this school were a de- 
cidedly heterogeneous mass; they wer(> of both sexes, and of all sizes 
and ages from the primary grade up. As one of their members has 
expressed it, they were uncouth, awkward, and untutored, but seriously 
in earnest. Many of the men had spent several years in the army and 
were necessarily far behind in their education. None of them had any 



The Normal School. 



195 



surplus of money to spend. ]\Iost of them were making their own way 
through school, and hence knew the precious value of the time and 
money they were spending. Judging from external appearances, this 
was not a very promising lot of students with which to start a school. 
But there was the making of many a man and woman of strength in 
that body, and fortunately there was at the head of the school a man 




Professor J. M. Greenwood. 
(From a Photograph taken in 1874.) 



who knew how to bring out the very best in those whose advantages 
had been meager, but who were willing to strive and toil. 

By the close of the school year the enrollment in the Normal De- 
partment reached one hundred and forty. This, with the enrollment 
of one hundred and forty-four in the various grades of the model school 
made the total attendance two hundred and eighty-four. To the Pres- 
ident and faculty of the school this was a very encouraging beginning, 



196 History of Adair County. 

though from a financial standpoint it was not very remunerative to the 
President. In engaging his associates, President Baldwin had bound 
himself to pay each a certain salary and to bear all the other expenses 
of the school, and had agreed to take what was left of the proceeds of 
the school. This arrangement was agreed to for three years. The 
income for the first year, which came only from tiution fees, was $3,705; 
the expenditures were !i!!4,020. The President incurred a loss of $135 
in addition to his living expenses for a year. 

Notwithstanding this financial loss, the enrollment was such as 
to give the President a basis for his faith in the ultimate success of the 
school. Concerning the matter he said: "The success during the year 
passes all expectation. That in this war cursed region three hundred 
students should enter such a school in its first year is truly wonderful. 
The Faculty have consecrated themselves for life to the grand work 
of building up a western institution of unsurpassed merits. With all 
of their ability, with untiring energy, and with unbounded enthusiasm, 
they will labor for its success." 

The second year of the school was much more successful than the 
first. The enrollment was 423, of which 203 were in the Normal De- 
partment and 220 in the various grades of the Model School. The in- 
crease over the enrollment of the previous year was 139. The income 
for the year was $5,520; the expenditures were $4,335. Instead of a 
deficit there was a surplus of $1,185, and this constituted PresidentBald- 
win's salary for the year. 

After having run for nearly three and one-half years as a i)rivat(' 
institution, the school was adopted on December 29, 1870, as one of 
the State Normal Schools as provided for by the bill of March 19th of 
that year. This was a consummation which President Baldwin and 
his chief assistants had been working for since the beginning of the 
school and which he had probably had in mind from the time he decided 
to come to Missouri. In the catalogue for the second year it was plainly 
stated that efforts were being made to make the institution one of a 
system of six State Normal Schools. How President Baldwin's school 
came to be made the First District Normal School is a story worth re- 
lating in detail. 

The Normal School act jirovided that each of the two district nor- 
mal schools should be established in the county that would offer the 
greatest indacement by way of buildings and grounds, provided the 
buildings and grounds should not be less than $25,000 in value and the 
grounds should not be less than ten acres in extent. The management 
of both schools was to Ije in the hands of a Board of Regents composed 



The Normal School. 197 

of seven 111011, three of whom were the Secretary of State, the Attornej^ 
(ieucral and the Superintendent of Schools, and the other four were to 
be appointed by the Governor, two from each district. This Board 
was to receive the bids for the new schools and to decide on their location. 

As soon as this act was passed an open movement was started to 
get the citizens of Adair County to vote bonds so that the county might 
be able to make a bid. The county court, which at that time was com- 
posed of only one Justice, Jacob Sands, issued an order on Julj^ 5 for a 
special election to be held on September 8 for the purpose of voting 
upon a proposition to issue bonds, not to exceed $100,000, for "the pur- 
pose of securing the location of a State Normal School at Kirksville." 

At the time when this order was made there was considerable op- 
position to the proposition, particularly among the country people. 
In order to meet this opposition newspaper articles appeared setting 
forth reasons why the county should vote the Ijonds, and in addition a 
systematic and complete canvass of the county was planned and car- 
ried out. The work of canvassing the county was done by a great many 
people, but perhaps President Baldwin and Judge Sands did more ac- 
tive work than anj^ others. During the week preceding the election 
a series of meetings was held throughout the county, at which addresses 
were made by several prominent citizens. The success of this campaign 
is seen in the returns of the election. For the proposition 629 votes 
were cast; against it 189. The vote by towaiships was as follows: 

Townships For Against 

Benton '. 413 2 

Polk 28 5 

Pettis 23 6 

Liberty 28 11 

Salt River 38 51 

Wilson 21 48 

Clay 37 34 

Nineveh 25 8 

Walnut 8 13 

Morrow 8 11 



Total 629 189 

From this table it will be seen that in Benton township, the town- 
sliij) in which Kirksville is located, the vote was almost unanimous, 
only two votes having been cast against the proposition. In only two 



198 History of Adair County. 

townships where the total vote in each was over 75, was there a major- 
ity against the proposition. 

Inasmuch as two-thirds of the legal voters voting had declared in 
favor of the bond proposition, the county court at its session on Sep- 
tember 12, declared it had been ordered. 

On the same day the Adair County Court declared that the propo- 
sition had carried, it drafted a letter to the State Superintendent stat- 
ing that the county was ready to make its bid and asking that a meeting 
of the Board of Regents should be called as soon as possible to consider 
the same. Meanwhile arrangements were being made by Pettis County 
to offer a bid for the second district school, and when the State Super- 
intendent received the official notices of Adair and Pettis Counties, 
that they were readj^ to offer their bids, he called a meeting of the Board 
of Regents to be held at Jefferson City on December 1, 1870. 

The Board was composed of Supt. T. A. Parker; Attorney General 
H. B. Johnson; Secretary of State F. Rodman; Superintendent E. B. 
Neeley of St. Joseph, and President Joseph Baldwin of Kirksville, rep- 
resenting the First District; J. R. Milner of Springfield and General 
G. R. Smith of Sedalia, representing the Second District. 

The Adair County bid contained two propositions: 

"First: Ten acres of land within one mile of the public square of 
Kirksville, more or less as may be determined by your honorable Board, 
with a building or buildings to be erected thereon, agreeable to plans 
and specifications to be submitted by said Board, of the value of Fifty 
Thousand Dollars. 

"Second: In addition to the above and supplemental thereto, the 
building now used by the North Missouri Normal School and the eight 
lots upon which it is situated, together with the furniture, apparatus, 
library, ets., now used by said school." 

Livingston County offered a bid for the First District School, and 
Pettis and Johnson Counties submitted l)icls for the Second District 
School. 

The propositions from Adair County and Pettis Count>' were ac- 
cepted, thus creating the First and Second District Schools in the two 
counties respectively. On t\\v next day, however, the Board recon- 
sidered its action and voted to defer the location of the two schools 
until December 26, when it would reconvene at Sedalia and tlien con- 
sider all bids that might be submittcMJ. 

The effect of the news of the action of the Jioard upon the people 
of Kirksville and Adair County may well be imagined. It was believed, 
and is still believed, bv a great manv who were active in the matter, 





w 




200 History of Adair County. 

that underhand methods were being used to depri\'e Kirksville of the 
school and to force President Baldwin to close his institution. For- 
tunatelj'^ for Adair County, she had the right kind of men to meet this 
crisis. Between the meeting of the Board at Jefferson City on Decem- 
ber 1 and 2 and its meeting at Sedalia on the 26, plans were laid for 
overcoming the competition of the other counties, and for securing the 
favorable action of the Board. Among other things, the county court 
secured the services of B. G. Barrow as an attorney to contest the le- 
gality of the Board's reconsideration of the location of the school at 
Kirksville. 

When the time came for the Board to meet at Sedalia, large dele- 
gations from both Kirksville and Chillicothe went down to present 
their claims. In the Kirksville delegation were Judge Sands, Judge 
Linder, and W. H. Parcels. Besides these gentlemen there were two 
others, both of whom have since become very prominent in the state, 
one in educational work and the other in business and politics, whose 
chief business was to gather as much information as possible concern- 
ing the plans of the Chillicothe delegation. Falling in with this dele- 
gation on its way to Sedalia, they gradually drew from it a complete 
outline of its plans. The information they derived enabled the Kirks- 
ville representatives to proceed intelligently. 

When the Board convened on December 26 at Sedalia President 
Baldwin offered a resolution to the effect that the bids which had been 
made by Adair and Pettis Counties and on which the location of the 
Normal Schools had been made at Kirksville and Sedalia, should be con- 
sidered as before the Board, and that no additional propositions which 
might be made by these counties should prejudice their claims to the 
location of the schools at the places named. This carried without 
any opposition. 

Both Adair and Pettis Counties protested against the Board re- 
considering the location of the two schools, and nearly all the day was 
taken up hearing the protests from these counties and the replies from 
Livingston and Johnson. Finally the Board ordered the considera- 
tion of the Adair County bid, whereupon Judge Linder, the agent of 
the Aclair County Court, submitted the following communication: 

"To the Board of Regents of the State Normal Schools: 

"Whereas, on the first day of December, 1870, a proposition was 
submitted by the undersigned connnissioner of Adair County to your 
honora])le Board, looking to the location of the State Normal School 
for the first district at Kirksville in the said county, which proposition 
was, then and there, by a resolution of your Board duly accepted, and 



The Normal School. 201 

the location thereby was, as we claim, secured at Kirksville; and it 
further appearing that the said proposition so made and accepted was 
and is considered by members of your Board as not being equally fa- 
vora])le to the state in amount as that offered Ijy Pettis County and Se- 
dalia ; and it further appearing that some of the Board do not consider 
that the said amount so offered and accepted is sufficient in amount to 
fence and beautify the grounds so given in the said proposition for the 
said Normal School, and to purchase a library and apparatus to make 
said school a first-class institution; 

"Now claiming a vested right and a valid contract to be existing 
between said county and the State of Missouri effectually securing 
the said location, and refusing to surrender our right thereunder, but in 
order to show our interest in the success and honor of the enterprise 
and to show our magnanimity we hereby in consideration of the prom- 
ises in behalf of the said county, offer and tender by way of an additional 
donation to the said State Normal School so located, the sum of Eight 
Thousand Dollars of bonds of the said county, having twenty years to 
run at 7 per cent interest, to be under the control and subject to the 
disposition of the Board for said purposes aforesaid, to be disposed of at 
such time and at such price as the court may see fit, and it is expressly 
understood herein that this is not to be considered as any portion of 
the bid heretofore made, nor in any manner to operate as a variance 
or abandonment of the contract heretofore made as aforesaid, or to op- 
erate as a variance or recission of the said contract." 

On the next day Livingston County offered $60,000; and in addi- 
tion the citizens of Chillicothe offered city lots and lands valued at 
$18,000; a block and a half of land in the center of the town with a sem- 
inary building on it valued at $10,000; two blocks of land in the town 
valued at $5,000; and a site of ten acres valued at $7,000. 

The rivalry between the two counties grew quite animated. Each 
was set upon having the school and each was determined to carry the 
matter into the courts if the Board decided in favor of theother. The 
Board was plainly informed by Mr. Hammond of Chillicothe that his 
county would resist by legal process the location of the school at Kirks- 
ville, and it would base its resistance of the ground that the bid of Adair 
County was illegal by reason of the illegality of the election on the nor- 
mal school bonds. " - 

Finally, after having considered the matter for three days, the 
Board unanimously voted on December 29 to locate the First District 
Normal School at Kirksville on the terms offered by Adair County, 
provided that the site of the school should be ten acres adjoining the 




y< 



-, 2 



.2 S 



a 5 a. 



204 History of Adair County. 

Xorth Missouri Normal School grounds and Ijelonging to Edward Par- 
cels, to which a warranty deed should be made immediately, or, in de- 
fault of such deed being made, the grounds offered by Morris and Richter. 

The credit for securing the location of the school at Kirksville be- 
longs according to the general consensus of opinion, to Judge Sands 
and Linder, and W. H. Parcels, and of these three it was the last who 
played the important part at the critical point in the proceedings. When 
the Board met in Sedalia, three were known to be in favor of Kirksville 
and three in favor of Chillicothe. Through the influence of Mr. Par- 
cels, the seventh member, Secretary of State Rodman, was induced to 
vote for Kirksville. This made the matter safe for Kirksville, and 
perhaps this explains why the vote was finally unanimous in its favor. 

On December 30 the Board declared that "the Normal School for 
the First District be hereby declared established within the meaning 
of the law," which meant the North Missouri Normal School was then 
recognized as a state institution. The Board then elected the following 
persons as the faculty for the remainder of the school year: J. Bald- 
win, Principal; J. M. Greenwood, W. P. Nason, S. M. Pickler, Miss 
Flora Gleason, and Mrs. Amanda Greenwood. President Baldwin had 
just before this resigned from the Board of Regents. 

Meanwhile the question of the Second District Normal School had 
been settled in favor of Johnson County, whereby it was located at 
Warrensburg instead of Sedalia. 

Livingston County sought to reverse the action of the Board in 
locating the First District Normal School at Kirksville through the leg- 
islature. A legislative committee was appointed to investigate the 
matter and report. The committee made a divided report, the minor- 
ity report being the one that favored Adair County. There is no rec- 
ord of anything Ijeing done with the reports. They were presented on 
the closing day of the session and may have been shoved aside for lack 
of time. 

Meanwhile the Adair County Court had proceeded to fulfill its 
obligations. In order therefore to secure the $50,000 in cash, which the 
county had offered in its bid for a building to be conctructed by the 
Board of Regents, the court ordered the issue and sale of $60,000 in ])onds. 
From the sale of these bonds only $51,400 was realized. This shows how- 
much below par the county's credit was at that time. This amount was 
in time turned over to the Board and i)ut ])y that bod>' in the building 
now known as l^aldwin Hall. 

In further fulfillment of its obligations the court ordered the issue 
of $8,000 in bonds which were delivered to the Board, the proceeds of 
which w^re to be used in fencing and beautifying the grounds and in equip- 



The Normal School. 205 

ping the school with a hbrary and scientific apparatus. The sale of the 
bonds netted the Board only $4,840. Moreover, the court issued $8,000 
more in bonds to the North Missouri Normal School Association for 
the old site and building, whereupon the trustees of this Association 
deeded this property to the Board of Regents. The Board finally dis- 
posed of the property for $1,600. 

In all the county issued $78,000 in bonds, and the net proceeds 
which the school received from the sale of these bonds was $57,840. 

The law which provided for the two new State Normal Schools 
stipulated that free sites of not less than ten acres must be offered ])y 
the counties competing their location. There were at least four proposed 
sites for the school at Kirksville; but the Parcels tract of ten acres 
which adjoined the grounds of the North Missouri Normal School, and 
the IVIorris and Richter tract of fifteen acres which lay just outside the 
southern limits of the town, were the only ones ever seriously consid- 
ered ])y the Board. The Parcels tract was first selected, but after 
waiting three months for a satisfactory warranty deed to be made, the 
Board accepted the IMorris and Richter tract. 

The Board employed Randolph Brothers of St. Louis as architects 
for the building at Kirksville, and Griffith and Edwards were awarded 
the contract for the erection of the V)uilding for $51,400. 

Ground was broken for the foundation on the afternoon of May 17, 
1871, with special exercises in honor of the event, ^lore elaborate 
exercises were held when the cornerstone was laid on September 6. 
Great crowds of people came into town to witness the ceremonies. At 
10:30 a. m. a procession started from Wilson's Grove, west of the square, 
to the new Normal School grounds. The order of the procession was 
as follows: Kirksville Cornet Band, Normal School Faculty and Stu- 
dents, Good Templars Lodges, Bloomfield (Iowa) Band, Knights Tem- 
plar, IVIasonic Lodges, citizens. After the cornerstone was put in place 
with IVIasonic ceremonies under Grand Master Thomas E. Garrett, the 
procession returned to the grove where a basket dinner was served. 
After the dinner addresses were delivered by several men of prominence, 
among whom were President Baldwin, Grand Master Garrett, State 
Supt. Monteith, and Golonel Norman J. Coleman. 

As the work on the building progressed it became known that the 
contract called for only the enclosure of the building. It appears that 
only two members of the Board knew just what the contract specified; 
the others stated they thought it called for a completed building ready 
for use. 



206 History of Adair County. 

The Board was therefore compelled to call upon the Legislature 
for an appropriation to complete the building. The Legislature ap- 
pointed a committee to investigate the situation both here and at War- 
rensburg, as the building at the latter place Avas also in an unfinished 
condition. The committee visited both Kirksville and Warrensburg, 
and as regards the building at Kirksville reported that the Board of 
Regents had been negligent in the arrangements made for a building 
and that the Adair County Court had done all that it had agreed to do. 
It was therefore recommended that $50,000 be appropriated to complete 
the building. A bill to that effect was finally passed, though there was 
considerable opposition to it, many declaring that Adair County should 
issue more bonds and complete it herself. 

Contracts were soon let for the completion of the building, and on 
January 16, 1873, it was occupied by the school. The entire school 
marched from the old building in the northern part of town to the new 
one in the southern part, and took possession of it. 

The formal dedication occurred on February 13, 1873, with appro- 
priate exercises in the chapel. The dedicatory address was to have 
been given by Governor Woodson, but on finding it impossible to attend 
he sent instead Dr. R. D. Shannon, who delievered that address. Ad- 
dresses were made by a number of others. During the exercises Pres- 
ident Baldwin remarked that it was just six years ago that evening that 
he had made his first address in Kirksville, in which he asserted that if 
the people would give his school the proper encouragement it would be- 
come a credit to the state. It was indeed a proud moment in the life 
of President Baldwin when he stood before the people of Kirksville and 
pointed to the fulfillment of his prophecy. 

This building, which has in recent years been named Baldwin Hall, 
in honor of President Baldwin, remained the only building of the school 
until 1901 when the first annex was built on the northeast. Mean- 
while the Legislature had appropriated in 1883 $3,500 with which to fit 
up the basement of the original building for the "Model School" which 
had been organized by President Blanton in the fall of 1882. The 
first annex has been used ever since its erection by the Practice Schools, 
the department of physical education, and the Library. For its erec- 
tion the Legislature had appropriated. $30,000. In 1905, $50,000 was 
appropriated for another building which took the shape of the second 
annex on the northwest. Both of these new buildings have been erected 
during President Kirk's administration. 

No demonstration was made during the erection of the first annex, 
but th(> l)reakin<2; of the Rround and the laving of the cornerstone were 



> — 




The Normal School. 211 

made occasions of special exercises. On the daj^ the ground was broken 
the whole school was gathered to witness the event and a picture was 
taken, a cut of which is given on the opposite page. The cornerstone 
was Uiid b>' the Kirksville Masonic Lodges on August 14, 1905. The 
principal atkh'ess was made by Governor Jos. W. Folk. No ceremonies, 
however, marked the occupation of the building when completed. 

In 1907 there was erected on the campus the Model Rural School 
House, which stands as the most distinctive feature of the institution. 
For years President Kirk has been a close student of rural schools. He 
has thought deeply upon the many problems of the rural school system, 
but he has been most interested in the country school houses. After 
many plans had been tried, he finally worked out the details of the plan 
by which the above mentioned Model Rural School House was erected. 
It has three floors. The basement floor which has concrete flooring and 
concrete walls, contains the engine room, laundry, bulb and dark rooms, 
and the gymnasium. The first floor contains the school room, which is 
lighted by windows along the north wall, and separate toilet rooms for 
girls and boys. The attic floor contains laboratories, work benches for 
manual training, and apparatus for the study of domestic science. The 
building is lighted by gas and electricitj^ generated by its own plants. 
It also has running hot and cold water throughout the building. The 
water is pumped by a dynamo from a well nearby into a pressure tank, 
from -which it goes to all parts of the building. For convenience's sake 
only the city sewer system is used, but in no other way is the building 
dependent on the city for any facility. In this respect it could be inde- 
pendent also, if a cess-pool were dug nearby and the sewage were drained 
into it. 

A model rural school has been maintained in this building ever 
since it has been completed. A high grade teacher has been employed 
to conduct the school, and country children near town have been brought 
to school daily in a covered wagon and taken back again in the after- 
noon. Both the building and school are models in the exact sense of the 
term, and are for the inspection and study of students and visitors. 

The model rural school is a department of the Practice Schools 
which offers opportunities for student teachers to acquire experience 
in teaching under the direction of skilled directors. These schools have 
grown out of what was originally known as the Model School, some 
account of which should be given here. 

A Model School was established in connection with the school 
when it was founded in 1867, and was maintained until December, 
1873. This department served not only to exhibit to the students of 




Model Rurai, School House. 
The biiildins fronts the south. The accompanying plans explain the arrangement 

of the different floors. 




FIRST FLOOR PLAN 



COLD AIR DUCT 
WATCP TANK 
400,CAL. 




COAL ROOM 



DRYING ROOh) 



GYMNASIUM 12*4X23. 



BASEMENT PLAN 



48 X20 
SKY LIGHT 




UK 


TABLE 


SI 




w 


Tir 

















_m C) 



^WAiH COWL 



ATTIC PLAN 



EAST SIDE 



214 History of Adair County. 

the iionnal department the best methods of teaching as used by the 
skilled instructors who were employed to conduct it, but also to prepare 
many students who were somewhat advanced in years for the work of 
the normal department. This Model School was never a jiractice 
school for prospective teachers. It always purported to be an actual 
"model school." 

This school was divided into three departments, the primary, the 
intermediate, and the grammar departments, each of which covered 
two years' work. AVhen it was first established. Professor F. L. Ferris 
was Principal of the grammar department, IMrs. L. D. Ferris of the in- 
termediate department, and Mrs. Amanda Greenwood of the primary 
department. The teachers remained in charge of these departments 
for three years. We have no information as to how the "Model" was 
organized or who conducted it in 1870-71 and 1871-72. Miss Kate 
Rowland was Principal of the Model School in 1872-73 and Miss Stephan 
from September to December, 1873. 

The enrollment for the different years was as follows: 
1867-68, 144. 1870-71, 68. 

1868-69, 220. 1871-72, 48. 

1869-70, 1872-73, 53. 

Sept. to Dec, 1873, 33. 

From this talkie it will be seen how much the enrollment of the 
last year was reduced from that of the first two years, and how the en- 
rollment for the period after the school had been made a state institu- 
tion gradually dwindled. It is not surprising then that President Bald- 
win and Miss Stephan recommended to the Board of Regents at their 
meeting in December, 1873, that the Model School should be suspended, 
and that the Board acted in accordance with that recommendation. 
However, it was evidently not the intention of President Baldwin or 
the Board to give up permanently the idea of having a Model School. 

The Model School was not restored until November, 1882, over a 
year after President Baldwin had left the school. The credit for its 
restoration belongs largely to President Blanton, who took charge of the 
administration of the school in September, 1882, though there are evi- 
dences that the matter had been thought of by the school even before 
he had been elected to the Presidency. On November 13, 1882, the 
Model School was reopened under the supervision of Miss S. Augusta 
Jaync. 

The school was during the first year witiiout any special quarters 
of its own, having been accommodated in the various rooms of the 
building. In September, 1883, it Avas installed in th(> rooms which 



Thp: Normal School. 215 

had been newly fitted up in the basement during the previous sunnner. 
The basement had up to that time been used only for the heating appa- 
ratus. Through a special appropriation of $3,500 which the Legisla- 
ture made in April, 1883, several rooms were built in it and the ground 
immediately surrounding the building was terraced as it is today. In 
these new quarters the Model School remained until it was removed 
to the annex that was built on the northeast of the main building in 
1901. 

Unlike the Model School Avhich existed in the early years of the 
school, the one which was re-established in 1882 gave opportunity for 
practice teaching b}^ the students of the normal department from the 
very start. Indeed, it is doubtful whether the term "Model School" 
was a proper one to use for it. It was in reality a Practice or Train- 
ing School and not a "Model." It was not until President Kirk's ad- 
ministration that the name "Model" was given up. 

In addition to the new quarters that were secured when the first 
annex was built in 1901, the apparatus used in the work of the school and 
the teaching force have been considerably enlarged. There are now a 
supervisor, three critic teachers, and a kindergarten teacher. Prior to 
1900-01, there had been only a supervisor, or principal, with occasiona- 
alh' one assistant. The kindergarten department was established 
in 1900-01. 

The Principals, or Supervisors, of the Training School since its re- 
establishment in 1882 arc as follows: 

Miss S. Augusta Jayne 1882-83 to 1886-87 

Professor J. T. Muir 1887-88 to 1888-89 

Miss Marguerite Pumphrey 1889-90 to 1893-94 

Mrs. Anna Seitz 1894-95 to 1897-98 

Miss Mary DeWitt 1898-99 

Miss Opheha Parrish 1899-00 to 1902-03 

Miss Montana Hastings 1903-04 to 1904-05 

Miss Gertrude Longnecker 1905-06 to 1909-10 

Miss Susie Barnes 1910-11 to present. 

The school has had five Presidents: Joseph Baldwin, 1867-1881; 
W. P. Nason, pro tempore, 1881-82; J. P. Blanton, 1882-1891; W. D. 
Do])son, 1891-1899; John R. Kirk, 1899— . They have all been men of 
ability, and each has made his contribution to the development of the 
school. It is perhaps well to relate here briefly the biographies of the 
Presidents and of the members of the original faculty. 

Joseph Baldwin was born at New Castle, Pennsylvania, on Octo- 



216 History of Adair County. 

ber 31, 1827. His early education was obtained in the district school, 
and in Bartlett Academy at New Castle. In 1848 he entered Bethany 
College, Virginia, from which he was graduated with the A. B. degree 
in 1852. 

In August, 1852, he was married to Miss Ella Flukart (jf Ohio. 
Immediately after their marriage they came to Missouri, and in the 
fall he opened the Platte City Academy in Platte County. From 1853 
to 1856 he and his wife conducted a ladies' boarding school at Savan- 
nah, Mo. In 1856 he helped organize the Missouri State Teachers' 
Association in St. Louis. 

After having spent four years in Missouri, he returned to Penn- 
sylvania and spent one year there in school work. He then went to 
Indiana, where within the next ten years he conducted several private 
normal schools. During this time he spent one year in the Union army. 

The story of his coming to Kirksville in 1867 and opening a Normal 
School in the Cumberland Academy building and maintaining it as a 
private institution for over three years, has already been told. Since 
the history of the institution during the rest of his connection with it 
is largely a part of his own history, there remains little else to relate here 
than to mention that he was elected President of the Sam Houston Normal 
Institute at Huntsville, Texas in 1881 and, that after having served 
in that position for ten years he w^as elected to the newly created chair 
of Pedagogy in the University of Texas and remained there until 1897, 
when he was made Professor Emeritus in that institution. He died 
January 13, 1899 in Austin, Texas. 

President Baldwin greatly regretted leaving Missouri, but the ed- 
ucational field to which he was called in Texas was very like that of 
Missouri when he came in 1867. The pioneer instincts were strong in 
the man and he rejoiced in an opportunity to lal^or in a field that was 
new and unoccupied. But this was not the only reason he left Mis- 
souri. For some years he had been the object of petty jealousies and 
harassing persecutions, and he had come to realize that his position 
in the Kirksville school was being undermined by some who assumed to 
be his friends. There was before him, therefore, the prospect that this 
opposition, which was altogether undeserved, would result in his being 
displaced some time sooner or later. Doubtless this and his natural 
aversion for any conflict in which his own personal interests were in- 
volved, had much to do with his going to Texas. 

The life of President Baldwin is an illustration of what a man with 
a few great ideas and the willingness to work, may accomplish. It 
can not be said of him that he was a broadlv learned man or a man of 



The Normal School. 217 

great versatility. Yet it must ])e acknowledged that as a result of long 
and deep thinking on some of the fubdamental educational questions 
of the day, he reached some very sound and definite conclusions of his 
own, for the realization of which he spent the whole of his life. This 
constitutes the l)asis of his greatness. 

He believed most firmly in the absolute necessity of the very best 
possible elementary and secondary education, and to this end he advo- 
cated a thorough and scientific preparation of the teachers for thatwork. 
The efforts which he put forth to bring about these results have had a 
marked influence upon the educational systems of Indiana, Missouri, 
and Texas. 

As has already been said he was by instinct a pioneer. To him 
there was something decidedly fascinating in a field of labor that had 
Ix^en heretofore unoccupied. By nature he was eminently fitted to 
arouse enthusiasm on the part of others for a new system, and to lead 
them to assist him in getting it adopted. As an organizer of new work 
he was not surpassed. 

However, his success in further developing an established work 
was not as great as in initiating it. For this he was not always solely 
responsible. Had he received the support from the Board of Regents 
in the last years of his administration in this institution, he might have 
done much more than he did. 

\>ry few school Presidents have been able to command and main- 
tain the loyalty and respect of the students as he did. He attained 
this through the confidence he placed in them and the sympathetic in- 
terest he took in their ambitions and enterprises, thus making each stu- 
dent feel that he was his personal friend. This explains why his name 
has always been held in sacred memory by those who are under his 
direction. 

Tlie frank and unsuspecting nature of the man made him liable to 
be imposed upon by designing persons. Thinking all men were as hon- 
est as himself, he frequently found himself badly defrauded and abused. 
(Jccasionally he was led into situations which gave his enemies an op- 
portunity to attack and abuse him, while at the same time he generally 
refused to defend himself or to expose those who were injuring him. 
He was not without faults. He was but human. However, in the light 
of the great service which he did for the state and of the purity of the 
motives that always actuated his life, these imperfections appear as 
insignificant. 

His work was not confined to the school room. He was frequently 
before the public as a platform orator, speaking chiefly on educational 



218 History of Adair County. 

topics. He \vas an elder in the Christian clrurcli and occasionally 
preached and performed other religious services. There Avere very few 
districts in Northeast Missouri in which he had not spoken to the i:»eo- 
ple in some way or other. He was very active in the educational asso- 
ciations of the state and nation, and appeared frequently in their dis- 
cussions. He was a frequent contributor to some of the leading educa- 
tion journals, at one time assisting in the editing of the American School 
Journal. He wrote two works on Pedagogy which were extensively 
used in this country and Canada. 

One of the most conspicuous events in the history of the Normal 
School at Kirksville is known as Baldwin Day, June 13, 1893. On that 
day President Baldwin became the guest of the institution, at which 
time he was greeted by a large number of his former students and asso- 
ciates, many of whom came from long distances. The idea of having 
such an affair as this was conceived by President Dobson. He and a 
conmiittee of local alumni worked long and faithfully in arranging for 
the day. Invitations were extended to as many of the "Baldwin stu- 
dents" and the "Baldwin faculty" as could be reached, to be present. 
All day exercises were held at which addresses were made by many of 
the former students. Professor Nason, President Dobson and Prc^sident 
Baldwin. No one could fail to see from all this in what high esteem 
President Baldwin was held by his students and associates. 

In making up her list of great benefactors Missouri nnist always 
include the names of two men who have spent the best part of their 
lives in Kirksville, President Joseph Baldwin and Dr. A. T. Still. An 
attempt at some appreciation of Dr. Still will be made in the next chap- 
ter. Coming to Missouri at the close of a war which had greatly in- 
jured it. President Baldwin spent fourteen years of the best period of 
his life in Iniilding up its school system and in that time "accomplished 
more foi" the cause of popular education than any other man in the state." 

As yet no formal recognition of the services of either of these men 
to the state has been made, but it is hoped that the time will soon come 
when that will be done in such a way as to keep forever in the memory 
of future generations the greatn(>ss of the men in their day and time. 

Besides President Baldwin, there were in the original faculty Prof, 
and Mrs. F. L. Ferris, Prof. W. P. Nason, and Prof, and Mrs. J. M. 
Greenwood. Prof, and JMrs. Ferris came, as has already been noted, 
with President Baldwin from Indiana. They remained, however, with 
the school only about three years. They subsequently moved to Col- 
orado and died there in 1873. His wife survived him several years. 



The Normal School. 



219 



Prof. Nason reiiiaiucd with the school from 18G7 to 1887. For a 
couple of years thereafter he took up pastoral work, ■ serving several 
different charo;es in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in this sec- 
tion of the state. From 1889 to 1891 he conducted a. private school 
at La Belle, but was comi^elled to give it up on account of his ill health. 
From that time to his death on July 1(5, 1909, he led a life of retirement. 




President Joseph P. Blanton. 
(From a Crayon Portrait made in 1886.) 



In June, 1902, the Board of Regents made him Professor Emeritus of 
Ethics as a recognition of the valuable services he had rendered the 
school when in active connection with it. 

Prof, and Mrs. J. M. Greenwood remained with the school until 
June, 1870, when they resigned to take charge of the Mt. Pleasant Col- 
lege at Huntsville, Mo. In January, 1871, they returned to Kirksville 
and resumed their work, the school having been made a state institu- 



220 



History of Adair County. 



tion the latter part of December, 1870. In June, 1874, Prof. (Ireen- 
wood resigned to accept the Superintendency of the Kansas City Schools, 
a position which he has occupied ever since. Mrs. Greenwood had sev- 
ered her connection with tlie school in June, 1872. She died some time 
in 1904. Prof. Greenwood is the only survivor of the orip;inal facultv. 




President William D. Douson. 
(From a Photograph taken about 1S9.5.) 

President J. P. Blanton was l)orn in Cumberland County, \'ir- 
ginia, on January 29, 1849. After having received his early education 
in a variety of schools he entered the Freshman class of Hampden- 
Sidney College in 1864. In the spring of 1865 he joined the army of 
Northern Virginia in its retreat from Petersburg to A])pomattox. After 
the surrender he returned home, but re-entered college that fall and 
remained there until graduation in 1869. After graduation he taught 
two years in Kentucky country schools, and then came to Missouri. 



The Normal School. 



201 



After teaching three years in Watson Seminary at Ashley and three years 
at Tro}', he became Superintendent of Schools at Mexico. He Avas 
elected to the Presidency of the State Normal School at Kirksville in 
1882, and remained until 1891 when he l^ecame Professor of Pedagogy 
in the State University of Missouri. In 1898 he became President of 




President John R. Kirk. 

(From a Photograph taken about 1910.) 



the University of Idaho, but remained there only two years. He died 
in St. Louis in 1909. 

President W. D. Dobson was born in Tusculum, Tennessee, on No- 
vember 27, 1848. After getting his early education in the district 
school and the Academy of Tusculum College, he entered Greenville 
and Tusculum College, from which he was graduated in 1870. He then 



222 History of Adair County. 

studied law and was admitted to tlie bar in 1872. He came to Missouri, 
but instead of practicing law began teaching. For eight years he taught 
in Grundy County, during which time he was Superintendent of the 
Trenton schools for five j^ears. After that he was Superintendent at 
Carrollton for ten years, and then Superintendent at Moberly for one. 
In June, 1891, he was elected President of the Normal School at Kirks- 
ville and served until 1899. He then entered the A. S. 0. at Kirksville 
from which he was graduated in 1902. He was therefore elected Pro- 
fessor of Chemistry in that institution, and remained there until 1908 
when he moved to St. Louis, where he has been engaged ever since in 
the practice of osteopathy. 

President John R. Kirk was born in Bureau County, Illinois, Jan- 
uary 23, 1851. In 1856 his father moved his family to Harrison County, 
Mo. He got his early education in the district schools and the Bethany 
High School. He entered the Normal School at Kirksville in 1873 and 
attended at irregular intervals until he graduated in 1878. As a teacher 
he has filled a variety of positions. Besides teaching in rural schools he 
has been Superintendent of Schools at Bethany, Mo., and at Moulton, 
Iowa; Principal of a ward school in Kansas City, Mo.; a teacher of 
history and mathematics in the Central High School of that place, and 
Superintendent at Westport. From 1895 to 1899 he served as State 
Superintendent of Schools, and then part of one year as High School 
Examiner for the University of Missouri. In 1899 be became President 
of the Normal School at Kirksville, and has remained there ever since. 

The following is a complete list of the faculty in the order of their 
appointment from the beginning to the present time with the period 
of service of each member: 

Joseph Baldwin Sept., 1867 to June, 1881 

W. P. Nason Sept., 1867 to June, 1887 

J. M. Greenwood Sept., 1867 to June, 1870 

Jan., 1871 to June, 1874 

F. L. Ferris Sept., 1867 to June, 1870 

Mrs. Amanda Greenwood Sept., 1867 to June, 1872 

Mrs. L. D. Ferris Sept., 1867 to June, 1870 

S. M. Pickler Jan., 1868 to June, 1873 

Rev. J. S. Boyd Sept., 1868 to June, 1869 

Rev. John Waynian Sept., 1868 to June, 1870 

George Frankeuberg Sept., 1868 to June, 1869 

Mrs. J. S. Boyd Sept., 1868 to June, 1870 

Sue Thatcher'. : Sept., 1868 to June, 1870 

A. H. John Sept., 1869 to June, 1870 



The Normal School. 223 

Frank ISI. Fluhart Sept., 1869 to June, 1870 

Laura Gleasun Jan., 1871 to .Iuup, 1872 

]\Iary Norton (]\Irs. McClellan) Sept., 1871 to June, 1872 

Hattie Comings (Mrs. J. R. Milner) Sept., 1872 to June, 1874 

J. T. Smith Sept., 1872 to June, 1873 

C. H. Bigger Sept., 1872 to June, 1873 

Helen Halliburton (Mrs. McReynolds) Sept., 1872 to June, 1875 

Kate F. Rowland Sept., 1872 to June, 1873 

Mollie Bowen Sept., 1872 to June, 1873 

Mary Woodsworth Sept., 1872 to June, 1873 

Mrs. Mary Blackman Sept., 1872 to June, 1875 

H. F. Williams Sept., 1872 to Mch. 1876 

S. S. Hamill Sept., 1873 to June, 1874 

C. H. Butcher Sept., 1873 to Sept., 1877 

Miss Stephan Sept., 1873 to June, 1874 

Mary Murtfeldt Sept., 1872 to June, 1874 

IVIrs! Mary Williams Sept., 1873 to June, 1974 

W. H. Baker Sept., 1874 to June, 1875 

J. U. Barnard Sept., 1874 to June, 1887 

B. S. Potter Jan., 1875 to June, 1879 

IVI. T. Henderson Sept., 1875 to June, 1882 

Emmir Thompson (Mrs. Hannah) Sept., 1874 to Dec. 1875 

G. W. Krall Sept., 1875 to June, 1879 

Alta Westcott (Mrs. McLaury) Apr., 1876 to June, 1876 

J. W. Shryock Apr., 1876 to June, 1882 

Helen E. Swain Sept., 1876 to June, 1877 

T. Berry Smith Sept., 1877 to June, 1878 

E. R. Booth Sept., 1879 to June, 1880 

C. H. Ford Sept., 1878 to June, 1882 

AHce Heath (Mrs. C. W. Proctor) Sept., 1879 to June, 1881 

John T. Paden Sept., 1879 to Aug., 1884 

Ada Oldham Sept., 1879 to June, 1882 

Anna H. Grigg Sept., 1879 to June, 1880 

M. M. Thomas Sept., 1878 to June, 1879 

E. B. Seitz Sept., 1879 to Oct., 1883 

Chas. Ross Sept., 1880 to June, 1900 

]Martha W. Prewitt (Mrs. Doneghy) Sept., 1881 to June, 1882 

J. P. Blanton . ^ Sept., 1882 to June, 1891 

Ermine Owen Sept., 1882 to June, 1904 

Mrs. A. E. DeVine Sept., 1882 to June, 1883 

B. P. Gentry Sept., 1882 to present. 

S. Augusta Javne . Nov. 1882 to June, 1887 



224 History of Adair County. 

Hortense Snyder Nov., 1882 to June, 1884 

C. S. Sheldon Sept., 1883 to June, 1893 

O. E. McFadon Sept., 1883 to June, 188(3 

Mary T. Prewitt Sept., 1883 to June, 1904 

P. A. McGuire Sept., 1883 to June, 1884 

Carrie Eggleston Feb., 1884 to June, 1885 

G. W. McGinnis Sept., 1884 to Feb., 1886 

Miriam B. Swett Sept., 1885 to June, 1888 

Libbie K. Miller (Mrs. Traverse) Sept., 1885 to June, 1886 

J. I. Nelson Feb., 1886 to Feb., 1891 

W. F. Dann Sept., 1887 to June, 1892 

J. T. Muir Sept., 1887 to Jan., 1894 

F. A. Swanger Sept., 1887 to June, 1894 

Mary Wight Sept., 1888 to June, 1889 

Marguerite Pumphrey (Mrs, Smith) Sept., 1888 to June, 1894 

Edgar S. Place Sept., 1888 to Feb., 1889 

Sept., 1890 to June, 1891 

Clara Figge Sept., 1889 to June, 1891 

R. B. Arnold Sept., 1891 to June, 1897 

Carrie Hatton Sept., 1890 to June, 1891 

W. D. Dobson Sept., 1891 to June, 1900 

Marian Shackelford Sept., 1891 to June, 1892 

G. H. Laughhn Sept., 1892 to Nov.. 1895 

C. W. Proctor Sept., 1893 to June, 1897 

J. W. Forquer Sept., 1893 to June, 1898 

R. C. Norton Jan., 1894 to June, 1900 

J. H. Scarborough Sept., 1894 to June. 1899 

Mrs. Anna E. Seitz Sept., 1894 to June, 1898 

William Richardson Jan., 1896 to June, 1900 

L. S. Daugherty Sept., 1897 to present. 

Hallie Hall (Mrs. E. M. Violette) Sept., 1897 to June, 1902 

Ruby Westlake (Mrs. Freudenberger) Sept., 1897 to June, 1900 

J. E. Weatherly Sept., 1899 to May. 1906 

Kathryn Garwick (Mrs. Rogers) Sept., 1898 to Jan., 1900 

Margaret DeWitt .Sejit., 1898 to June. 1899 

John R. Kirk Sept., 1899 to present. 

Opheha A. Parrish Sept., 1899 to present. 

E. M. Violette Sept., 1900 to present. 

J. T. Vaughn Sept., 1900 to Oct.. 1909 

Carrie Ruth Jackson Sept., 1900 to June, 1908 

A. P. Settle Sept., 1900 to present. 



The Normal School. 



225 



H. Clay Harvoy Sept., 1900 to present. 

M. Winnifred Bryan (Mrs. Fields) Sept., 1900 to June, 190(5 

Frances Tinkham (Mrs. F.G.Crowley) Sept., 1900 to June, 1905 

Cass Bear Sept., 1900 to June, 1908 

Alice Adams (Mrs. W. J. Shepard) Sept., 1900 to Aug., 1903 

Susie Barnes Sept., 1900 to present. 

Luther Winchester Sept., 1901 to June, 1902 

W. J. Shepard Sept., 1902 to Aug., 1903 

W. P. Nason (Professor Emeritus) .Sept., 1902 to July, 1909 

Montana Hastings Sept., 1903 to June, 1905 

E. M. Goldberg Sept., 1903 to Aug., 1905 

Sadie Westrope Sept., 1903 to Aug., 1907 

ISI. Ohve Greer Sept., 1903 to Aug., 1907 

T. Jennie Green Sept., 1903 to present. 

R. M. Ginnings Sept., 1903 to Jan. 1910 

D. A. Lehman Sept., 1903 to Sept., 1905 

J. D. Wilson Sept., 1903 to present. 

Blanche Scott Sept., 1903 to June, 1906 

Margaret Linton Sept., 1904 to Aug., 1909 

S. S. Carroll Sept., 1904 to Sept., 1906 

Minnie Brashear Dec, 1904 to present. 

Gertrude Longnecker June, 1905 to Aug., 1910 

J. S. Stokes June, 1905 to present. 

D. R. Gebhart June, 1905 to present. 

Cora Reid June, 1905 to present. 

E. Y. Burton Sept., 1905 to June, 1907 

Eugene Fair Sept., 1905 to present. 

R. H. Emberson Sept., 1905 to Aug., 1906 

Belle Reed Sept., 1905 to Sept., 1907 

J. W. Heyd Sept., 1905 to present. 

W. A. Lewis June, 1906 to present. 

A. B. Warner Sept., 1906 to present. 

W. V. Pooley Sept., 1906 to Aug., 1907 

A. D. Towne Sept., 1906 to present. 

E. R. Barrett Sept., 1906 to present. 

Francis Portman Sept., 1906 to Aug., 1907 

W. H. Zeigel Sept., 1907 to present. 

A. Otterson Sept., 1907 to present. 

O. C. Bell Sept., 1907 to June, 1910 

Sarah Pepper Sept., 1907 to Aug., 1909 

Laurie Doolittle Sept., 1907 to present. 

16 



226 History of Adair County. 

Irma Matthews Sept., 1907 to Aug., 1908 

F. W. Phmkett Sept., 1908 to Aug., 1910 

Msivy G. Young Sept., 1908 to Aug., 1909 

H. H. Laughlin Sept., 1908 to Sept., 1910 

Edith Sharpe Sept., 1908 to June, 1910 

Lora Dexheiiner Sept., 1908 to Aug., 1909 

Chira Kleinfelter Sept., 1907 to Aug., 1909 

Elizabeth Hughes Sept., 1909 to Jan., 1911 

Leota Dockery Sept., 1909 to present. 

INIark Burrows .- . . Sept., 1909 to present. 

Harriet How^ard Sept., 1909 to present. 

Byron Cosby Feb., 1910 to i)resent. 

H. W. Foght Feb., 1910 to present. 

J. L. Biggerstatf June, 1910 to i)resent. 

JuUa Richardson Sept., 1910 to present. 

Bertha Dakin Smith Sept., 1910 to present. 

Carohne Livingston Sept., 1910 to present. 

Marie Turner Harvey Sept., 1910 to present. 

Idella R. Berry Sept., 1910 to present. 

Eudora Savage Sept., 1910 to present. 

The government of the school is vested in a Board of Regents, the 
present organization of which differs quite materially from what it was 
originally. 

According to the act of the Legislature of 1870, which provided for 
the establishment of the first two normal schools of the state, the gov- 
ernment of both of these schools was placed in the hands of a single 
Board of Regents consisting of seven persons. It included the mem- 
bers of the State Board of Education, that is the State Superintendent, 
the Secretary of State, and the Attorney General, and two other persons 
from each of the two normal school districts, who were appointed by 
the Governor. In making the first appointments two of the regents 
were aj^pointed for two years and the other two for four years. There- 
after all appointments, except those to fill vacancies, were to be for four 
years. 

The First and Second District Normal Schools remained under the 
control of a single board, as originally organized, until 1874. In that 
year a law was passed which provided for a separate board for each of 
the two schools. Each board was to consist of seven members, six of 
whom were to reside in the district for which they were appointed, 
ar.d one of whom Avas to be a resident in the countv in which the Normal 



228 History of Adair County. 

School for such district is located. The State Superintendent was made 
an ex-officio member of each of the boards. The term of each appoint- 
ed regent was extended from four to six years, and it was so arranged 
that two of these members should be appointed every two years. 

The substitution of two boards, one for each of the two Normal 
Schools, in place of the single board for both of them, was evidently 
in accord with the wishes of the schools. At least this was true of the 
Kirksville school, as the faculty voted on December 12, 1873, in favor 
of a separate board for each of the two schools, and ordered that this 
expression of its opinion be forwarded to Governor Woodson and State 
Superintendent Monteith in response to letters which they had written 
to the faculty on the matter. 

The Third District Normal School which was provided for by an 
act of the Legislature in 1873, was placed under the control of a sepa- 
rate board. Doubtless this measure had something to do with the 
abolition of the single board for the First and Second District Schools 
and the creation of a separate board for each school. 

The Board of Regents for the three schools were, up to 1889, gen- 
erally composed of men of the same political party as that in power 
in the state. In that year a law was passed which provided that not 
more than four of each board, including the State Superintendent of 
Schools, should be long to the same political part}^ and the Governor 
was instructed in his subsequent appointments to change the personnel 
of the board so as to bring about this desired end as soon as possible. 
This arrangement did much to eradicate whatever tendencies there 
were to strict partisanship, and has largely prevented its recurrence. 

The officers of the Board are President, Vice-President, Secretary, 
and Treasurer, each of whom is elected for a term of two years. The 
Secretary has usually been some member of the Board. The Treasurer 
has always been some one outside of the Board. From 1871 to 1893, 
W. T. Baird was Treasurer. Since 1893, the Treasureship has rotated 
among the banks of Kirksville, some one in the bank holding the oflfice 
for two years at a time. 

The original Board was composed of the following pei'sons: 

First District— E. B. Neeley St. Joseph. 

J. Baldwin Kirksville. 

Second District — G. R. Smith Sedalis. 

J. A. Milner S])ringfiel(l. 

State Board of T. A. Parker State Superintendent. 

Education — Francis Rodman Secretary of State. 

H. B. Johnson Attorney General. 



The Normal School. 



229 



The following i 


s a comi)lete list of the Regents 


; of the school. 


their 


addresses, and the 


length of terms which 


they have served or 


have 


yet to serve: 










E. B. Neeley, 


St. Joseph, 


Dec, 


1870 to Jan., 


1874 


J. Bakhvin, 


Kirksville, 


Dec, 


1870 to Jan., 


1871 


CI. H. Smith, 


Sedalia, 


Dec, 


1870 to Nov., 


1871 


J. R. Milner, 


Springfield, 


Dec, 


1870 to Jan., 


1874 


T. A. Parker, 


State Supt., 


Dec, 


1870 to Jan., 


1871 


Francis Rodman, 


Sec'y of State, 


Dec, 


1870 to Jan., 


1871 


H. B. Johnson, 


Atty. General, 


Dec, 


1870 to Jan., 


1871 


B. G. Barrow, 


Macon, 


Jan., 


1871 to Apr., 


1871 


Ira Divoll, 


State Supt., 


Jan., 


1871 to June, 


1871 


N. G. Ferguson, 


Louisiana, 


Apr., 


1871 to Jan., 


1874 


John Monteith, 


State Supt., 


June, 


1871 to Jan., 


1875 


E. F. Weigel, 


Sec'y of State, 


Jan., 


1871 to Jan., 


1874 


A. J. Baker, 


Atty. General, 


Jan., 


1871 to Jan., 


1873 


E. A. Zeundt, 


Jefferson City, 


Nov., 


1871 to Jan., 


1874 


H. Clay Ewing, 


Atty. General, 


Jan., 


1873 to Jan., 


1874 


J. M. DeFrance, 


Kirksville, 


Jan., 


1874 to Jan., 


1875 


Bartlett Anderson, 


Memphis, 


Jan., 


1874 to Jan., 


1877 


G. L. Osborne, 


Louisiana, 


Jan., 


1874 to Jan., 


1876 


D. S. Hooper, 


Kirksville, 


Jan., 


1874 to Jan., 


1877 


J. M. McKim, 


Newark, 


Jan., 


1874 to Jan., 


1891 


John Oldham, 


Kirksville, 


Jan., 


1874 to Jan., 


1880 


R. D. Shannon, 


State Supt., 


Jan., 


1875 to Jan., 


1883 


Andrew Ellison, 


Kirksville, 


Jan., 


1875 to Mch. 


, 1891 


A. M. Alexander, 


Paris, 


Jan., 


1876 to Jan., 


1883 


J. D. Vincil, 


Mexico, 


Jan., 


1877 to Jan., 


1878 


W. B. Hays, 


Lancaster, 


Jan., 


1877 to Jan., 


1899 


Ben Eli Guthrie, 


Macon, 


Jan., 


1878 to Jan., 


1889 


J. S. Erwin, 


Kirksville, 


Jan., 


1880 to Jan., 


1891 


T. C. Campbell, 


Kirksville, 


Jan., 


1883 to Jan., 


1887 


W. E. Coleman, 


State Supt., 


Jan., 


1883 to Jan., 


1891 


Sumner Boynton, 


Greencastle, 


Jan., 


1887 to Jan., 


1895 


E. 0. Hannah, 


Moberly, 


Jan., 


1889 to Jan., 


1895 


George Giller, 


Kirksville, 


Jan., 


1891 to Jan., 


1897 


George Hall, 


Trenton, 


Jan., 


1891 to Jan., 


1903 


A. D. Risdon, 


Kirksville, 


Mch. 


,1891 to Jan., 


1893 


L. E. Wolfe, 


State Supt., 


Jan., 


1891 to Jan., 


1895 


M. W. Laughlin, 


Monroe City, 


Jan., 


1893 to Jan., 


1899 


John R. Kirk, 


State Supt., 


Jan., 


1895 to Jan., 


1899 



230 



History of Adair County. 



0. J. C'hapnian, 

R. N. Bodine, 

Scott J. Miller, 

J. W. Martin, 

C. C. Fogle, 

S. M. Pickler, 

A. W. IMullius, 

W. T. Carrington, 

J. M. Hardman, 

G. A. Goben, 

Reuben Barney, Sr., 

Reuben Barney, Jr., 

John H. Wood, 

H. A. Gass, 

Henry T. Burckhartt, 

J. C.McKinley, 

E. C. Grim, 

C. W. Green, 

W. P. Evans, 



Breckenridge, 

Paris, 

Chillicothe, 

Kirksville, 

Lancaster, 

Kirksville, 

Linneus, 

State Supt., 

Edina, 

Kirksville, 

Chillicothe, 

Chillicothe, 

Shelbina, 

State Supt., 

Fayette, 

Unionville, 

Kirksville, 

Brookfield, 

State Supt., 



Jan., 

Jan., 

Jan., 

Jan., 

Jan., 

Jan., 

Jan., 

Jan., 

Jan., 

Jan., 

Jan., 

Apr., 

Jan., 

Jan., 

Jan., 

Jan., 

Jan., 

Mch., 

Jan., 



1895 
1895 
1897 
1897 
1899 
1899 
1899 
1899 
1901 
1903 
1903 
1903 
1905 
1907 
1907 
1909 
1909 
1911 
1911 



to Jan. 
to Jan. 
to Jan. 
to Jan. 
to Jan. 
to Jan. 
to Jan. 
to Jan. 
to Jan. 
to Jan. 
to Mch 
to Jan. 
to Jan. 
to Jan. 
to Jan. 
to Jan. 
to Jan. 
to Jan., 
to Jan., 



1899 
1897 
1907 
1903 
1901 
1905 
1911 
1907 
1913 
1909 
1903 
1909 
1917 
1911 
1913 
1915 
1915 
1917 
1915 



The school had no graduating class until 1872. The class that 
year was composed of eight young men as follows: 0. P. Davis, W. N. 
Doyle, W. F. Drake, I. N. Matlick, J. T. Smith, J. C. Stevens, Vincent 
Stine, and Selden Sturges. 

Since 1872 a class has been graduated each year in the advanced 
course. The total number of graduates down to the present is 966. 
The number of graduates each year is shown elsewhere in this chapter 
in tabular form. Besides the graduates in the advanced course there 
have been so-called graduates in the sophomore course and for a while 
in the junior course also. These were called graduates because of the 
certificates to teach for five years that were conferred upon them at 
the time. 

By virtue of laws passed by the Missouri Legislature in 1887 and 
in 1889, the diploma which is conferred on graduation from any of the 
Normal Schools of the state, entitles its possessor to teach in the pub- 
lic schools of the state without further examination, and the certificate 
which is conferred on the completion of tlie elementarj^ course, entitles 
the holder to teach two years in the public schools of the state. 

At the time when the state adopted the normal school system, 
the authority to examine teachers and to grant certificates was vested 
in the State Superintendent and the County Superintendents, and 




s- o :' 



K 2 
c 



3 ^ 



5' ^ 



=t. o 



"^pii 






^ s < ~ 



2. 7q 







^ p s^ 
2 ^ '^ 







232 History (jf Adair County. 

remained solely with them until 1887. The certificates conferred by 
the State Superintendent entitled the holders to teach without further 
examination. Those conferred by the County Superintendents en- 
titled the holders to teach in the counties for which the}' were given 
for a limited period of time. They were of two grades, corresponding 
roughly, according to the requirements, to the second and third grade 
county certificates of today. 

Up to 1887 those completing the different courses in the three 
State Normal Schools Avho sought to teach, were subject to the above 
rules and regulations, unless special arrangements were made in their 
behalf by the State Superintendent. 

The first instance on record of any special arrangement is in a let- 
ter from State Superintendent Monteith to the County Superintendents, 
dated July 12, 1872, in which he recommended that they ''honor the 
Normal diploma by granting to its possessor a certificate without ex- 
amination," which would be for two years only. 

As far as is known, it was not until State Superintendent Shan- 
non's administration that certificates were conferred directly by the 
State Superintendent upon those completing the various courses in the 
three Normal Schools of the state. Beginning in July, 1878, he issued 
certificates to those completing the different courses of these schools, 
and kept up this practice until the close of his second administration 
in December, 1882. Upon those completing the two and the three 
years' courses, he conferred certificates which entitled them to teach 
two and three years respectively. Upon those completing the four 
years' course, he conferred a life certificate. 

It should be noted that it was the custom at the time for each of 
the State Normal Schools of Missouri to have its candidates for the 
diplomas and certificates of the school examined first by the faculty 
and then by an examining committee composed of the State Superin- 
tendent and the Presidents of the three schools. This arrangement 
seems to have l)een first made in 1875-76. It continued for ten years, 
that is down to 188-4-85 inclusive. 

These examinations by the conunittee were decidedly un]M)pular 
with the students and the faculty of the school. In May, 1885, the 
faculty adopted resolutions condemning them and asking the State 
Superintendent to adoj^t another plan for certificating the graduates 
of the school. 

In June, 1885, the State Superintendent and the Presidents of the 
State Normal Schools agreed upon a plan whereby the old system of 
examinations by the committee was abohshed, and a written examina- 



The Normal School. 233 

tion near tlK^ close of the school hy the State Superintendent was to be 
substituted. This arrangement was carried into execution only once, 
that is. in June, 1S8(). Before another year rolled around, the matter 
had Ihh'u taken out of the hands of the State Superintendent by the 
Legislature. 

^Vhen the General Assembly met in January, 1887, plans had al- 
ready been laid for securing legislation which would settle the question 
of certificating the graduates of the State Normal Schools. A bill 
covering the matter was drafted by President Blanton, and was lobbied 
through largely by him. It passed the Assembly without any partic- 
ular difficulty and was approved on March 24, 1887. The act pro- 
vided that "the normal diploma conferred upon completing a four 
years' course shall entitle its holder to teach school in any county in 
this state without further examination, until annulled by the Board of 
Regents or Curators granting the same, or by the County School Com- 
missioner, or State Superintendent of Schools, for incompetency, cru- 
elty, immorality, drunkenness, or neglect of duty, and the graded cer- 
tificate now granted upon the completion of the two years' course shall, 
in like manner, entitle the holder to teach the several branches of study 
named therein for a period of four years from the date of graduation, 
unless such certificate be annulled by said Board, or County School 
Commissioner, or State Superintendent of Schools for one or more of 
the causes above specified." Provision was also made for the applica- 
tion of the provisions of this act "the the Normal Department of the 
University of Missouri, and of Lincoln Institute." This law was amend- 
ed in 1889 so as to reduce the term of years that the holder of an ele- 
mentary certificate might teach from four years to two. 

This legislation was a matter of great gratification to the friends 
of the State Normal Schools, and especially pleasing to the students. 
Immediately on the approval of the first certification bill, the students 
of the Kirksville school presented to President Blanton a very fine cane 
as a token of their appreciation of his activity in securing its adoption. 

The library as at present organized has existed only since Septem- 
ber, 1903. In the early years of the school the library facilities were 
extremely meagre. It was not until President Blanton's time that a 
beginning was made towards putting a library under way. But owing 
to the fact that not one cent was ever donated by the State for libraries 
or laboratories prior to 1899, and that all that went into them had to 
be paid out of the incidental fund upon which heavy drafts have always 
been made, it is readily seen how the library was slow in growing. In 




< ?2 2 



C3 S 



The Normal School. 235 

1899 the state Legislature appropriated .12,500 for li!)raries and lal)()ra- 
tories. This enabled the school to furnish several departments with a 
few books in separate department libraries. In 1901 an appro])riation 
was made for a $30,000 building, and the plans for this included the 
present li1)rary and reading room. In 1903 an appropriation of $5,000 
was made for equipping this room and for buying books. In June of that 
year Miss Parrish 'was made librarian and the departmental liljraries were 
brought together and the books classified according to the Dewey dec- 
imal system. The aim has been to build up primarily a working library 
for daily classroom use. The library has rapidly outgrown the reading 
room and now has use of the two rooms adjoining it which are used as 
stack rooms and working rooms. It is hoped that larger quarters may 
be had soon. The school has been the depository for the United States 
government documents ever since it became a state institution. Out- 
side of those publications the library contains at present about 12,500 
volumes. 

The history of the laboratories of the school is very nuich like that 
of the library. When the school occupied its new building in 1873, 
the small room just east of the chapel constituted the only scientific 
laboratory. Here all that passed for science was taught. In 1899 two 
rooms in the basement of Baldwin Hall were fitted up for chemistry and 
physics. Since then the laboratories have been increased in number 
and equipment. There are at present laboratories for chemistry, phys- 
ics, photography, zoology, and agriculture. The annex on the north- 
west, called Science Hall and built in 1905, contains the physics, chem- 
istry and zoology laboratories, also the manual training workshop. A 
farm of sixty acres near town has been leased and will be ultimately 
purchased. This will be used as an experimental station in the agri- 
culture department. 

The students maintain a variety of associations and organizations. 
The literary societies are the oldest. Two of them, the Philomathean 
and the Senior Societies have existed since the seventies. The Eliza- 
beth Browning Society has been in existence only three or four years. 
Besides these there were several other literary societies, but they have 
long since expired. There are at present four active debating clubs 
among the young men. The first organization was the Websterians. 
The Claytonians, Demosthenonians, and Ciceronians were organized 
later. Besides these literary societies and debating clubs there are 
several departmental societies, such as the German Club, Historical 
Society, Science Club, Nature Study Club, and Latin Clulj. Certain 



The Normal School. 237 

members of the faculty have maintained a Shakespeare Clulj for some 
years. 

The students also maintain two active Christian Associations. 
The Y. W. C. A. was organized in May, 1895, and the Y. M. C. A. in 
March, 1896. The Y. M. C. A. has maintained in connection with the 
Y. M. C. A. of the American School of Osteopath}^, a lecture course 
of high grade for over twelve years. 

In Athletics the school has been especially active in recent years. 
The school had no gymnasium until the northeast annex was built in 
1901. When the northwest annex was erected in 1905, the gymnasium 
in the former building was given over to the women exclusively and the 
one in the latter l)uilding to the men. For outdoor games the school 
has had a fine athletic field in the northwest corner of the campus 
since 1903. Field Day exercises have been held every year since 1895. 

The students have at different times published periodicals. The 
first student publication was, as far as is known, the Model Headlight, 
a monthly pul^lished by the students of the Model School for aliout 
six months in 1888. In 1893 and 1894 pamphlet annuals were issued 
by certain literary societies. In September, 1894, the Normal Message, 
a monthly publication, was begun. It continued until April, 1900. 
Since then four year-books have been published, the Mnameion in 1901, 
and the Echo in 1902, 1904, and 1906. In March, 1909, the Kirksville 
Normal School Index, a weekly publication, was established. The 
honor of getting it started lies largely with Miss Mary McCool, '08, who 
was at that time a post-graduate in the school. It has just started 
upon its third year. 

The Music Department has, since April, 1909, maintained a spring 
Festival of nuisic of high order. The Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra 
with Emil Oberhoffer as Contluctor, and the Normal School (Jhorus and the 
jNIinneapolis Orchestra with D. R. Gebhart of the Normal School 
Faculty as Director, together with a number of vocal soloists of special 
ability, constitute the talent. Four different programs are rendered 
during the festival. 

On Friday, October 18, 1907, the school celel)rated its fortieth an- 
niversary w'ith appropriate exercises. Arrangements were made rather 
hurriedly for the event and the original plan was to make it largely a 
local affair. But several out-of-town graduates and former students 
returned to join in the celebration. Prof. Nason and Supt. Greenwood, 
the tw^o surviving members of the original faculty, were present and de- 
livered addresses during the morning exercises. A basket dinner was 
held on the campus which was participated in by a goodly number. 



238 



History of Adair County. 



During the afternoon exercises addresses were made by Judge Jacob 
Sands, Senator Humphrey, Dr. R. D. Shannon, Prof. J. U. Barnard, 
Mr. B. F. Heiny, Mr. G. W. CulHson, Mrs. Fluhart and Miss Grace Guy 
(now Mrs. C. M. Weyand). The roll of graduates was called by Prof. 
A. B. Warner, to which response was made by rising as the names were 
called. A reception was held in the ladies' gymnasium from four to five. 
The day's program ended with a musical in the evening in the chap- 
el, which was attended by an immense crowd. Most of the musical 
numbers were rendered by graduates and former students of the school. 



As an index to the growth of the school, the following tabulation 
showing by years the number of faculty members, the number of grad- 
uates and post graduates, the number receiving certificates, and the 
enrollment, is offered. 



1867-68 
1868-69 
1869-70 
1870-71 
1871-72 
1872-73 
1873-74 
1874-75 
1875-76 
1876-77 
1877-78 
1878-79 
1879-80 
1880-81 
1881-82 
1882-83 
1883-84 
1884-85 
1885-86 
1886-87 
1887-88 
1888-89 
1889-90 
1890-91 



Fac- 
ulty 

6 
12 
12 

7 

12 
10 

9 
10 

9 

8 
10 
11 
11 
10 
11 
12 
12 
12 
11 
11 
13 
12 
13 



Post 
Grad- 
uates 



1 

4 
5 

3 
10 



Grad- 
uates 



3 

9 

12 

14 

8 

12 

10 

11 

11 

9 

7 

17 

14 

26 

25 

21 

12 

15 

15 



Undergraduates 
receiving certiticates 

or diplomas Enrollment 

.luniors Sophomores Normal Tr. Sch. Total 



4 
10 
10 
18 
14 
12 

8 
17 
14 
14 
13 
17 
27 



15 

13 
14 
21 
42 
28 
18 
27 
49 
45 
32 
42 
40 
51 
47 
40 
35 
58 
40 
44 
49 



140 
203 
263 
321 
434 
470 
668 
709 
627 
592 
534 
458 
513 
492 
481 
446 
501 
475 
413 
421 
490 
505 
520 
560 



144 
220 

68 
48 
53 
33 



103 
181 
182 
126 
111 
169 
121 
100 
100 



284 
423 
263 
389 
482 
523 
701 
709 
627 
592 
534 
458 
513 
492 
481 
549 
682 
657 
539 
532 
659 
626 
620 
660 



The Norjmal School. 



239 



Year 


Fac- 
ulty 


I»ost 
Grad- 

luites 


Ci l-;id- 
Liatt's 


UiKlorsirMduati's 
i-oci'iving certificates 

or diplomas 
Juniors Sophomores 


Normal 


K.iriillni, 
Tr. Sell. 


•lit 

Total 


1891-92 


12 


'3 


19 


— 28 


596 


107 


703 


1892-93 


11 


6 


22 


— 32 


606 


112 


718 


1893-94 


12 


3 


20 


— 30 


562 


94 


656 


1894-95 


12 


— 


23 


— 41 


620 


102 


722 


1895-96 


12 


4 


18 


— 42 


623 


115 


738 


1896-97 


12 


2 


35 


— 26 


719 


105 


824 


1897-98 


13 


— 


22 


— 35 


737 


108 


845 


1898-99 


13 


1 


29 


— 43 


739 


103* 


842 


1899-00 


14 


3 


48 


— 113 


742 


92 


834 


1900-01 


15 


3 


43 


— 58 


753 


102 


855 


1901-02 


18 


2 


38 


— 84 


757 


94 


851 


1902-03 


19 


4 


41 


— 65 


784 


179 


963 


1903-04 


24 


4 


55 


— 58 


944 


175 


1119 


1904-05 


25 


4 


42 


— 71 


982 


170 


1152 


1905-06 


28 


— 


40 


— 75 


1040 


180 


1220 


1906-07 


32 


8 


62 


— 67 


1157 


175 


1332 


1907-08 


34 


1 


47 


— 78 


1250 


190 


1440 


1908-09 


36 


— 


44 


— 122 


1307 


220 


1527 


1909-10 


42 


4 


59 


— 152 


1394 


227 


1621 


1910-11 


45 


— 


— 


— ■ 











Total 



101 966 



178 1970 27558 4409 31967 



The marked growth of the school in recent years is clue in part at 
least to the summer school. The summer school was first held in 1895 
as a private affair. Those of the faculty who cared to do so offered 
courses and they got their proportion of the fees paid by the students. 
In 1900 the summer school was taken under the control of the Board. 
Special appropriations were made for it by the Legislature in 1901 and 
1903. Since then the appropriations have been made on the basis of 
four terms of twelve weeks each in every year instead of three terms as 
before. The school has therefore continuous sessions the year round, 
with the exception of a few weeks scattered between the various 
quarters. 



Another index as to the growth of the school is its income from 
the state. This income is also an indication of the value which the 
state places upon its work. The following tabulation shows what has 
been appropriated for its support since it became a state institution: 



240 History of Adair County. 



Biennial 
Periods 


Teachers' 
Salaries 


H 


uildings 


Repairs, etc. 


Library and 
Labaratories 


Total 


1871-72 $10,000.00 


$50, 


000 


.00 










$60,000.00 


1873-74 


20,000.00 
















20,000.00 


1875-76 


20,000.00 
















20,000.00 


1877-78 


15,000.00 
















15,000.00 


1879 80 


15,000.00 
















15,000.00 


1881-82 


20,000.00 
















20,000.00 


1883-84 


20,000.00 


3, 


248 


.20 


12,681.60 








35,965.80 


1885-86 


20,000.00 
















20,000.00 


1887-88 


25,000.00 








3, 126 . 50 








28,126.50 


1889-90 


25,000.00 








2, 873 . 00 








27,873.00 


1891-92 


25, 000 . 00 
















25,000.00 


1893-94 


25,000.00 








1,500.00 








26,500.00 


1895-96 


25,000.00 








5,250.00 








30,250.00 


1897-98 


27,500.00 








6,280.00 








33,780.00 


1899-00 


27,500.00 








1,000.00 


$2, 


500 


.00 


31,000.00 


1901-02 


33,000.00 


30, 


000. 


00 


4,550.00 


1, 


000 


.00 


68, 550 . 00 


1903-04 


50,000.00 








3,250.00 


8, 


500 


.00 


61,750.00 


1905-06 


90,000.00 


50, 


000. 


00 


11,760.00 


7, 


500 


.00 


159,260.00 


1907-08 117,805.00 








19,400.00 


8,000, 


.00 


142, 205 . 00 








1909 10 132,700.00 








15,600.00 


— 






147,870.00 



1911-12 156,000.00 10,000.00 25,800.00 13,000.00 204,800.00 

Since 1901 02 the school has not been able to draw out all that 
has Vjeen appropriated for its use biennially, owing to deficiencies in the 
state treasury. These figures do not represent what the school has 
actually received since 1901-02. 



CHAPTER XII. 
SCHOOLS OF OSTEOPATHY. 

Section I. — The American School of Osteopathy. 

Any account of the American School of Osteopathy must include 
something in the way of a biographical sketch of Dr. A. T. Still, the 
founder of the science of osteopathy. Inasmuch as many of his early 
experiences paved the way for his ultimate discovery of osteopathy, 
it is well to give them in some detail. 

Andrew Taylor Still was born August 6, 1828, three miles 
north of Jonesboro, Lee County, Virginia. He was the third 
son of Abram and Martha Still. In 1834 his father, who was a 
pliysician and a Methodist preacher, moved his family to New- 
market, Tennessee. His first schooling was received while living 
at this place, in what was known as "Holston College." In 1837 his 
father was appointed as the first Methodist missionary to North Mis- 
souri, wiiich was at that time just being settled up. The trip was made 
in seven weeks, the family coming in two wagons and with seven horses. 
The family lived in Macon County from 1837 to 1840 and thence moved 
farther north into what afterwards was known as Schuyler County. 
In ;1845 the family was back again in Macon County. 

i Dr. Still's schooling during these years was fragmentary and prim- 
itive in character. The pioneer condition of North Missouri at that 
time permitted nothing extended in the- way of educational facilities. 
In his Autobiography he describes one of the school houses in which he 
attended school: "That autumn we felled trees in the woods and built 
a log cabin eighteen by twenty feet in size, seven feet high, dirt floor, 
with one whole log or pole left out to admit light through sheeting tacked 
over the space so we could see to read and write." 

An idea of the diversions and at the same time the strenuous life 
in Missouri is shown by this further quotation from his-Autobiography : 

"My father owned a farm and raised a large amount of corn, and 
had a great many horses, mules, cattle, sheep, and hogs to feed on it, 
so our crops were consumed at home. We had so much corn to husk 
and crib that we were compelled to commence very early in order to 
get it stored away before cold weather. When we were all in our teens, 
my eldest brother nineteen, the next seventeen, and myself fifteen, we 




Dk. Andrew Taylor Still. 



Schools of Osteopathy. 243 

gathered corn from early moi-n till late in the evening, fed the stock, 
ate our suppers, and prepared for a good hunt for coons, foxes, opossums, 
and skunks. We always took a gun, an axe, a big butcher knife, and 
flint and steel to make a fire. We had a polished cow's horn which we 
could blow as loud as the horn that overthrew the walls of Jericho. As 
brother Jim was a great talker, we made him chief horn-blower. He 
went into the yard, and bracing himself tooted and tooted and split 
the air for miles, while the dogs collected around him and roared and 
liowled. You never heard such sweet music as brother Jim and t)ie 
dogs made. Bhprtl}^- after his melodies began, we were in line of march, 
front, middle and rear rank, and soon journeyed to the woods to hunt 
opossmns, polecats, coons, wild-cats, foxes, and turkeys." 

Dr. Still has given expression to the effects of this pioneer life 
upon his career as follows: 

"INIy frontier experience was valuable to me in more ways than 1 
can tell. It was invaluable in my scientific researches. Before I had ever 
studied anatomy from books I had almost perfected the knowledge 
from the great book of nature. The skinning of squirrels had brought 
me into contact with muscles, nerves, and veins. The bones, the great 
foundation of the wonderful house we live in, were always a study to 
me lo]ig before I learned the hard names given to them by the scientific 
world. As the skull of a horse was used at my first school as a seat for 
the indolent scholar, I have thought it might be typical of the good 
horse sense that led me to go to the fountain head of all knowledge 
and there learn the lesson that drugs are dangerous to the body, and 
the science of medicine just what some great physicians declared it 
to be — a humbug." 

On January 29, 1849, he was married to Miss Mary ]M. Vaughn. 
Owing to the destruction of his corn crop by a hail storm in the follow- 
ing July he was forced to teach school the next winter, receiving therefor 
$15 a month. 

In May, 1853, he and his wife left Macon County and went with his 
father to the Shawnee Mission of the Methodist Church, Avhich was 
located on the Wakarusa, forty miles west of Kansas City. The land 
was yet occupied by the Indians. No English was spoken outside of 
the mission. Here he farmed and assisted his father in doctoring the 
Indians for erysipelas, fever, flux, pneumonia and cholera which pre- 
vailed among them. His only preparation for this work had consisted 
in "reading medicine" with his father. His experience with the In- 
dians offered him his first opportuinty to do original research work. 
From earliest youth the study of the mechanics of the human body 




Mks. a. T. Still. 



Schools of Osteopathy. 245 

possessed a great fascination for him. His interest in these things was 
])ro])ably due largely to his family environment: his father was both a 
physician and a preacher; his father's three brothers were physicians; 
and later his two older brothers became physicians also. He increased 
his knowledge of anatomy by digging up the bones of many a "good 
Indian" and carefully studying them. His success as a practitioner 
among the Indians and the early pioneers was about the average. 

He went to Kansas just as the great crisis in the history of that 
territory was coming on. Having deep convictions on the issues that 
were up, he did not hesitate to take a part in the struggle. He was 
prominently identified with "Jim" Lane and John Brown in their ef- 
forts to keep the territory free from slavery, and was a member of the 
Free State Legislature of 1857, representing Douglas County. In 
September, 1861, he enlisted in the Ninth Kansas Cavalry, and served 
as surgeon in that regiment until he was honorably discharged in April, 
1862. He thereupon enlisted in the Twenty-First Kansas State Militia 
and served as Major in it until October, 1864, when that regiment was 
disl)anded. 

In 1865-66 he attended the Kansas City Medical School and re- 
ceived there the only formal instruction in medicine he ever got. He 
had, however, begun to lose faith in drugs while serving in the army, 
and his stay in the Kansas City school does not seem to have strength- 
ened his faith in them any. 

^Meanwhile, changes had taken place in his own family. On Sep- 
tember 29, 1859, his wife died, leaving three children, and in the spring 
of 1864 two of these children and an adopted child died of spinal menin- 
gitis. Meanwhile, he was married a second time, taking as his wife 
Miss Mary E. Turner on November 20, 1860. For nearly fifty years 
they journeyed together on the pathway of life, Mrs. Still dying on 
May 28, 1910. 

In. the early seventies Dr. Still made some interesting inventions 
in machinery. Among them were a reaper, mower, and a churn. It 
seems as though a mowing machine company got hold of the idea he 
had worked out for a reaper and mower, and used them without making 
him any compensation. He was able, however, to peddle his own 
churn, and he spent some time at this with some degree of success until 
the summer of 1874. In that year he made his famous discovery of 
osteopathy. 

Through years of study and thought u})on the subject Dr. Still 
had been gradually coming to a realization of the truth he was to im- 
part. He relates that his first discoverv in the science of osteopathy 



246 History of Adair County. 

was made when he was a lad of only ten years. One day when he was 
suffering from a headache he made a s\ving of his father's plow line be- 
tween two trees, so that the swing hung within eight or ten inches of 
the ground. Throwing the end of a blanket over the swing, he lay 
down on the ground and used the line for a swinging pillow. In a short 
time he was asleep and when he woke up his headache was gone. He 
was not able to reason it out how he had relieved himself, but he was 
accustomed thereafter to make a rope swing and use it when he felt a 
headache coming on. 

It has been noted how during the war he had liegun to lose faith 
in drugs. He kept on revolving his ideas in his mind until finally on 
June 22, 1874, according to his testimony, the whole light burst in upon 
him. How he arrived at this discovery we will let him tell from his 
Autobiography : 

"This year (1874) I began an extended study of the drive wheels, 
pinions, cups, arms, and shafts of human life with their forces, supplies, 
framework, and attachments by ligaments; muscles, their origin, and 
insertion; nerves, their origin and supply; blood supply from and to 
the heart; how and where the motor nerves received their power and 
motion; how the sensory nerves acted in their functions; voluntary and 
involuntary nerves in performing their duties, the sources of their sup- 
ply, and the work done in health, in the obstructing parts, in the places 
through which they passed to perform their part in the economy of life: 
— all this study awoke a new interest within me. I believed that some- 
thing abnormal could be found in some of the nerve divisions which 
would tolerate a temporary or permanent suspension of the blood either 
in arteries or veins and cause disease." 

"With this thought I began to ask myself, What is fever? Is it 
an effect, or is it a thing, as commonly described ])y medical authors? 
I concluded it was only an effect, and on that line I have experimented 
and proven the position I then took to be a truth, wonderfully sustained 
by nature responding every time in the affirmative. I have concluded 
after twenty-five years of observation and experimenting that there is 
no such disease as fever, flux, dii)htheria, typhus, typhoid, lung fever, 
or any other fever classed under the common head of fever; rheumatism, 
sciatica, gout, colic, liver disease, nettlerash or croup, on to the end of 
the list, do not exist as diseases. All these separately and combined 
are only effects. The cause can be found and does exist in the limited 
or excited action of the nerves wdiich control the fluids of part of the 
whole of the Ijody. It appears perfectly reasonable to any person born 
above the condition of an idiot, who has familiaiizod hims(>lf with anat- 



Schools of Osteopathy. 247 

omy and its working with tlic machinery of HtV, that all diseases are 
effects, the cause beinti a partial or complete failure of the nerves to 
properly conduct the fluids of life." 

The theory of osteopath>' has many versions, but there is none that 
describes it more thoroughly or plainly than the one given by its foimder 
in his own characteristic language: 

"Osteopathy deals with the body as an intricate machine which if 
ke]it in i)roper adjustment, nourished and cared for, will run smoothly 
into a ripe and useful old age. As long as the human machine is in 
order, like the locomotive or any other mechanical contrivance, it will 
perform the functions for which it was intended. When every part of 
the machine is adjusted and in perfect harmony, health will hold do- 
minion over the human organism by laws as natural and immutable as 
the law of gravitation. Every living organism has within it the power 
to manufacture and prepare all chemicals, materials and forces needed 
to build and rel^uild itself, together with all the machinery and appara- 
tus required to do this work in the most perfect manner, producing 
the only substance that can be utilized in the economy of the individual. 
No material other than food and water taken in satisfaction of the de- 
mands of the appetite (not perverted taste) can be introduced from the 
outside without detriment." 

When Dr. Still made his discovery he was living in Baldwin, Kan- 
sas. This was the home of Baker University, a Methodist institution 
which Dr. Still and his father and brothers had helped very materially 
to get started some years before. When he asked the privilege of ex- 
plaining his new found science in the institution, he was flatly refused 
by the authorities. 

Finding Kansas an unw^elcome field he came back to Missouri in 
1875, and after spending three months visiting his brother E. C. Still 
at Macon, he came on to Kirksville. After sojourning here for three 
months he sent for his family, consisting then of a wife and four little 
children. They arrived in May, 1875. 

In Kirksville he found at least four friends who aided him. One 
was Mrs. Ivie, who kept a hotel and gave him his room and meals a 
month Avithout charge. Another was F. A. Grove, M. D., who encour- 
aged him in his new ideas; another was Robert Harris, machinist and 
and experienced gunsmith, whose wife was relieved by Dr. Still from 
a distressing malady wliich had afflicted her for years; the fourth was 
Charley Chinn, from whom he rented a suite of rooms over his store on 
terms that were exceedingly generous. The kindnesses of these people, 
Dr. Still never tires of talking about. 



248 History of Adair County. 

In the North ^Missouri Register, a paper published in Kirksville 
from 1870 to 1879, there appeared in the issue for March 11, 1875, Dr. 
Still's professional card, in which he announced himself as a Magnetic 
Healer and in which he gave his office and office hours. In the issue for 
INIarch 18, this personal notice appeared: 

"The attention of the readers of the Register is called to the card of 
Dr. Still, magnetic healer, who has quietly opened up an office for the 
healing of disease, and from the success attending his profession thus 
far at this place, he with others now associated with him expect to Ijuild 
up an Infirmary that will he noted for its good works in healing the 
afflicted. They now occupy two rear rooms over Chinn's store, and 
expect soon to occupy the whole of the upper story thereof." 

We see from the advertisement and this personal notice that at so 
early a date as 1875 Dr. Still was dreaming of plans for an Infirmary, 
which have been realized even more fully than he had then dreamed. 
We also note that he had not yet coined the word osteopathy; that 
Avas not done until 1887. Until then he used terms which would attract 
attention, such as Magnetic Healing, and even as late as 1891 he signed 
published articles as "The Lightning Bone Setter." 

His first patients were among the poor and unfortunate. Many 
a time he was either refused admittance or was compelled to come into 
the homes he would visit, bj' the back door, for fear the people who 
allowed him to come in would be ridiculed or ostracized. 

In the course of a few months after coming to Kirksville, he had 
acquired a practice sufficient, as he says, to feed his "wife and babies 
and pay house rent," but a severe spell of typhoid fever which lasted 
from September, 187G to June, 1877, proved hard on him physically 
and financially. In 1878 he went to Kansas where he remained until 
1880, when he went to Wadesburgh, Henry County, Missouri. Colonel 
Lowe, who was his colonel in the army, Avas living at Wadesburgh and 
sent for him to come and treat him. For six years thereafter he prac- 
ticed in and around Chnton, Holden, Harrisonville, Rich Hill and Kan- 
sas City. He Avas popularly known as the "tramp doctor." The dif- 
ficulty of getting patients in any one locality forced him to become an 
itinerant doctor. 

In 1880 he returned to the northeastern part of the state and opened 
up offices at Hannibal, Palmyra, and other places. Finally in 1887 
he decided to give up travelling and settle doAvn at Kirksville. He lec- 
tured in every school house in Adair County, it is said, explaining to 
the ])eople his theory. He ahvays found the common people excellent 
listeners. The points made Avere illustrated by treating the afflicted 



Schools of Osteopathy. 249 

in his aiulicnces. Often his treating' and locturins would hold his au- 
dience until after niidnifiht. Oenerally one of his sons was with him 
and would assist him hy holding some portion of the patient's body as 
directed, while he did the sj^ecific work. 

In a few years after he had returned to Kirksville he was travelling 
again, going over much the same territory he had covered in the earlj^ 
eighties. Even after patients had begun to come in large numbers to 
Kirksville, Dr. Still and his sons were accustomed to travel over this 
state and other states and give treatments. This practice of going out 
on such trips seems to have been given up about 1894 or 1895. 

Dr. Still on such trips would frequently give public lectures on the 
streets and i)ublicly demonstrate his ideas. At some places people would 
come from great distances to see and hear the wonderful "faith cure 
doctor," as they often called him. Almost all the patients he treated 
in public were treated without charge. Many a time an afflicted per- 
son who had been relieved at some pul)lic exhibition would go away 
shouting at the top of his voice for joy. 

The pioneer days in the seventies and eighties were times of much 
distress of mind and body to Dr. Still and his family. Not only were 
times hard, but ridicule and abuse had to be l:)orne. Such terms as 
craz}' crank, impostor, fake doctor and others still more uncomplimen- 
tary were used to designate him. In many places little children were 
taught to cross the street rather than pass him on the sidewalk. Preach- 
ers condemned him from the pulpit. These were trying times and only 
a stout-hearted man could have passed through them successfully. 
But Dr. Still was not left to bear his burdens alone. To his faithful 
wife who remained cheerful and hopeful through it all, Dr. Still as- 
scribes much of the credit of his ultimate success. 

As has been stated before, Dr. Still decided to settle down in Kirks- 
ville somewhere in 1887. Very soon the practice became more than he 
could handle alone. For several years one or the other of his sons, 
Harry and Charles, had been accustomed to accompany him on his 
trips and render assistance, but up to this time neither was a practi- 
tioner. It occurred to Dr. Still that he should give full instructions 
to his eldest son and make out of him a full-fledged practitioner. Suc- 
ceeding in this and finding he needed more help in attending to his pa- 
tients who were coming in greater numbers, he began to give full instruc- 
tion to two other sons, Charles and Herman, and finally to his young- 
est son Fred, and at least three intimate friends of the family, Mr. Wil- 
derson, Mr. Hatten, and Mr. Ward, each of whom were later given the 
title of doctor. The success he had with these members of his family 



250 



History of Adair County. 



and intimate friends i)roved to him that his science was something whicli 
could l3c imparted to others, and refuted the oft-repeated statement 
of that time that when Dr. Still died osteopathy would die with him. 
He now l:)egan to think of establishing a school in which the science of 
osteopathy might be taught to all who wished to learn it. In a short 
time the school was established, but it was in connection with an in- 
firmary, and for a long time the school was secondary to the infirmary. 
The establishing of the infirmary came as a result of the increase 
in the number of patients who came to Dr. Still for treatment. By 




The First Building of the A. S. O. 



1891 they l^egan to come in scores from all parts of the country. It 
was nothing uncommon for him to have as many as 100 to 125 different 
patients every week. Up to 1892 treatments were given at Dr. Still's 
residence, or at the homes or boarding houses of the patients. His 
extended success in treating and teaching demanded a special ]>uilding 
for this work, and several towns offered to erect such a l)uikling on con- 
dition he would locate there and bring all his patients and students with 
him. Macon was among the towns that offered special inducements. 
None of these propositions were accepted. He decided to remain in 
Kirksville, declining at the same time a proffered bonus. 

In May, 1892, the American School of Osteopathy was incorpor- 
ated, and in .June of that year Dr. Still made arrangements for the sec- 



Schools of Osteopathy. 251 

ond nu'iiiber of the faculty, Dr. William Smith of Edinburgh, Scot- 
land, who was to take charge of the instruction in anatomy and surgery. 
Dr. Still tells in his Autobiography how he l^ecame acciuainted with 
Dr. Smith. One day in June, 1892, Dr. Smith came to Kirksville sell- 
ing surgical and medical instruments. He called on Dr. Still, and the 
im]:)ression he made was so favorable, he was forthwith engaged to 
teach in the school the coming season. The school opened in a little 
one-story frame ])uilding which stood where the Infirmary now stands. 
This Iniilding was later moved across the street where it now stands. 
The cut on the opposite page is from a photograph taken in 1911. 

The school was soon threatened with complete extinction by a bill 
which was introduced in the Missouri Legislature providing that no 
school except eclectic, allopathic and homeopathic colleges should grant 
chplomas. This bill was introduced in June, 1893. It was readily 
seen that this bill if passed would wreck the American School of Osteo- 
pathy, which had been doing a very lucrative business in Kirksville. A 
remonstrance against the bill was circulated and signed in Kirksville, and 
Judge Andrew^ Ellison and Dr. William Smith went in person to Jeffer- 
son City to work against it. The bill failed to pass the House, and 
the school was saved. 

Besides opposition abroad there was some of it at home. The 
Kirksville papers all during 1893, especially March and June, contained 
controversial articles between the champions and opponents of osteo- 
pathy. The opponents were chiefly from the medical profession, though 
there were many outside who had no faith in osteopathy. But Dr. 
Still did not lack for ardent supporters in the town by this time. This 
is seen in the demonstration made at the opera house on the evening of 
June 22, 1893, when the nineteenth anniversary of the discovery of 
osteopathy was celebrated. His address was the event of the program, 
in which he gave a sketch of the history of osteopathy. A large crowd 
was in attendance and showed enthusiastic interest in his cause. 

The first graduating exercises w^ere held at the Opera House on 
March 2, 1894. Including the three who had completed their work the 
preceding January, this class was composed of nineteen persons as 
follows : 

Bird, Arthur Pierson Rich Hill, Mo. 

Hill, J. D San Francisco, Calif. 

Kerns, Mrs. L. J Springfield, Mo. 

Bolles, Mrs. Nettie H Denver, Colo. 

Davis, Andrew P Chicago, 111. 

Davis, F. S Dallas, Texas. 



252 History of Adair County. 

Harter, Mrs. Mamie Sedalia, Mo. 

Hatten, Jas. O St. Louis, Mo. 

Hildreth, Arthur G Kirksville, Mo. 

Machin, Miller Keokuk, Iowa. 

Osborn, Jas. H Leon, Iowa. 

Polmeteer, Frank Kirksville, Mo. 

Smith, Wm Kirksville, Mo. 

Still, Chas. E Kirksville, Mo. 

Still, H. T St. Louis, Mo. 

Still, Edward C Macon, Mo. 

Ward, M. L Kirksville, Mo. 

The first three in the above list are the ones who completed their 
work in January. 

Speeches were made by P. F. Greenwood, F. M. Harrington, Pres- 
ident W. D. Dobson, Dr. Still, and Mr. Dodge of Sedalia. President 
Dobson acted as master of ceremonies. z\fter the exercises a banquet 
was given l^y the class to a number of invited guests at one of the hotels. 
Subsequent graduations came at irregular intervals down to 1898- 
99. Since that time two classes have been graduated each year, except 
the two years, 1907-08, and 1908-09 when there was only one class a 
year. One class is graduated in June, the other in January or Feb- 
ruary. 

The degree conferred was at first called Diplomate in Osteopathy. 
It is now^ Doctor of Osteopathy. 

Commencement exercises were held at first in the Opera House. 
After the main part of the present building was erected, they were held in 
IMemorial Hall, or if the weather permitted the May or June commence- 
ment exercises have been h(4d on the front lawns of the residences of 
Drs. A. T. and C. E. Still. 

The rai)id increase in the number of patients ami the exc(>llent 
prospect for an increase in the number of students led certain towns, 
among which were Des Moines, Kansas City, Sedalia, and Macon, to 
offer special inducements to Dr. Still to locate there. In order to show 
their interest in Dr. Still and his work and to give tangible evidence of 
that interest, a large number of Kirksville citizens met in a mass meet- 
ing on May 26, 1894. Every one present felt the importance of keeping 
Dr. Still and his institution in town. A committee was appointcnl to 
secure sul)s('riptions to a fund which would be tendered to Dr. Still. 
S. M. Pickler ottered to give five acres of ground in the west part of town, 
and H. M. Brashear ten acres in the east jjart. In a few days $2,600 
were raised and presented to Dr. Still, together with some valuable 



Schools of Osteopathy. 



25a 



land donations for a building site. On May 28, the following resolutions 
were uanimously adopted by another mass meeting of citizens: 

"We, the citizens of Kirksville, assembled at the Mayor's office 
this evening, IVIay 28, 1894, to take into consideration the advisability 
of assisting to erect an infirmary in conjunction with Dr. A. T. Still 
for his use and the benefit of humanity, try to express our appreciation 
of his great al^ility as the founder and exponent of the School of Osteo- 
pathy. That we as citizens feel proud of him as a fellow-townsman; 
that we have the utmost confidence in his skill as a healer, as is evidenced 




The Second Building. 



by hundreds of his patients who come halt and lame and depart 
in a few weeks with light heart and straightened limb; that we believe 
in his integrity as a man, and we feel proud that he has gained a national 
reputation, and earnestly ask Dr. Still to remain with us, and we prom- 
ise him substantial aid, and our most hearty support in holding up his 
hands, as the greatest leader of modern times." 

On accepting the money and lands tendered to him, Dr. Still prom- 
ised to remain in Kirksville; and in doing so he said his decision had 
been reached not so much because of the bonus as the heartj- co-opera- 
tion of the citizens which had been manifested. 



254 History of Adair County. 

Dr. Still purchased sixty-one acres from Mrs. Haley which lay just 
west of his place, for $7,500, and also the G. R. Brewington residence 
which joined ^Nlrs. Haley's property on the south for $3,000. 

In August, 1894, the contract was let for a three-story building, 
88 by 44 feet, to cost about $15,000. In the Democrat for August 24, 
1894, there was published a letter from Dr. Still, in which he thanked 
the citizens for their contribution and announced that the amount they 
had given would be used in building the hotel then under construction 
by his son, H. M. Still. He further announced that the money expended 
in building the new infirmary would be what he had earned in the prac- 
tice of osteopathy. 

The dedication of this building occurred on Thursday evening, 
January 10, 1895. A formal program was carried out, in which there 
were addresses by Mr. P. F. Greenwood, Dr. Still, Judge Andrew Elli- 
son, Prof. G. H. Laughlin, and Mr. H. F. Millan. The addresses were 
interspersed Avith musical selections. 

The first anniversary of the dedication of the Infirmary was duly 
celebrated by appropriate exercises on January 10, 1896. At sunrise 
a number of guns were fired and at sundown the firing was repeated. 
In the evening Memorial Hall was crowded to its utmost capacity. 
Addresses were made by Dr. Still and Dr. A. G. Hildreth. 

Meanwhile, the school had been rechartered. The first charter 
had proved to be deficient in regard to the powers which it conferred, 
and a new one was therefore secured. Articles of incorporation were 
secured from the Adair County Circuit Court on October 22, 1894, and 
the same were filed with the Secretary of State on October 30. These 
articles, with some subsequent minor amendments, are as follows: 

"Article 1: — The name and style of this corporation shall be 
The American School of Osteopathy, and shall be located in the 
city of Kirksville in the County of Adair, and State of Missouri. 

"Article 2: — The officers of this corporation shall be a President 
and such other officers as the Trustees shall from time to time deem 
necessary and appoint. 

"Article 3: — The object of this corporation is to establish a Col- 
lege of Osteopathy, the design of which is to improve our present system 
of Surger}', Obstetrics and treatment of diseases generally, and place 
the same on a more rational and scientific basis, and to impart informa- 
tion to the medical profession, and to grant and confer such honors 
and degrees as are usually granted and conferred by reputable Medical 
Colleges; to issue diplomas in testimony of the same to all students 
graduating from said school, under the seal of the corporation, with the 



256 History of Adair County. 

signature of each member of the faculty and of the President of the 
College. 

"Article 4: — That the corporate powers of said College shall l)e 
vested in a Board of Trustees to consist of a numi^er not less than five 
nor more than thirteen, and that the President of the Board shall be 
ex-officio President of the College; which board shall have perpetual 
succession, with powers from time to time to till all vacancies in their 
body, and that A. T. Still, Harry M. Still, (diaries E. Still, Blanche 
Still and Herman T. Still shall be the first members of said Board, and 
shall have the power to increase their number as hereinbefore specified. 

"Article 5: — That said Board of Trustees and their successors, 
for a period of fifty years, shall have full pow^r and authority to appoint 
a faculty to teach such sciences and arts as are usually taught in Med- 
ical Colleges, and in addition thereto, the science of Osteopathy; to 
fill vacancies in the Faculty, to remove the same, to declare the tenures 
and duties of all officers and teachers, and fix their compensation there- 
for; to provide a suitable building and furnish the same, and to fix the 
amount of tuition to be charged students, the number and length of 
terms students shall attend such College before graduating, the qual- 
ifications necessary to admit students into such College; to grant di- 
plomas to all graduates who shall have passed an examination satis- 
factory to the Board of Trustees and Faculty, in each and every branch 
required to be taught and studied in the curriculum of said College; 
and to make all by-laws necessary for carrying into effect the objects 
of this corporation not inconsistent with the laws of the State of Mis- 
souri and the Constitution thereof." 

As will be noted, it is not organized as a joint stock company, or 
as a connnercial concern, but its charter is granted by the State of Mis- 
souri under the section of law which provides for the establishment 
of literary and scientific institutions, the provisions of which require 
that the n(>e(ls and interests of the work which the corporation is char- 
tered to ixnl'oi-m shall always be paramount in the management of its 
business. 

The stock of the corporation is now owned (U)ll) by C. E. Still, 
Warren Hamilton, W. G. Font, and E. C. Brott. 

Up to October, 1895, not more than one class was enrolUnl a year. 
In fact, the school was as yet considered secondary to the Infirmary. 
The completion of the new building increascnl the facilities for both treat- 
ing and teaching. In 1895 over ISO, 000 tn^atments were given to suf- 
ferers who came from nearly every state in tiie Uni(jn. In October, 
1895, a class of twentv-seven was enrolled, and in .January, I89(i, another 



Schools of Osteopathy. 



257 



class of twenty was enrolled. Of these two classes twenty-eight were 
from Missouri and the rest were from five other states. These classes 
recited to just one teacher in a classroom only 20 by 25, the recitations 
taking up only two hours a day. 

The facilities which had been so nmch enlarged in January, 1895, 
soon came to be inadeciuate for both the school and the infirmary. In 
JNIay, 1896, work was begun upon an addition to the building that more 
than doubled its capacity, but even before that was completed the 
rapidly increasing demands made it necessary to begin work on a second 




The a. S. O. Hospital. 



addition which trebled the size of the original echfice. The whole build- 
ing very much as it stands today, was completed in January, 1897. 
It is 64 l)y 175 feet, four stories high, contains sixty rooms, aggregating 
about 30,000 square feet of floor space, and cost about $80,000. 

The largely increased facilities were provided none too soon, for 
while the infirmary business had grown steadily, increasing at the rate 
of about one hundred per cent each year, the increase in the school at- 
tendance had been phenomenal during the year 1896-97, having in- 
creased nearly five hundred per cent in that time. While in 1895-96 
there were fifty students from six different states reciting two hours a 



258 History of Adair County. 

day to one teacher in one room, there were in the t'oUowing year two 
hundred and eighty-three students representing twenty-four states 
and two Canadian provinces, using nine large classrooms and engaged 
with lectures and recitations occupying the entire day from eight in 
the morning to five in the afternoon. 

For a long time it was felt that a hospital was needed for the accom- 
modation of patients and for successful clinical work. The infirmary 
made no provision for the care of patients. Preparations were begun 
for meeting this need early in 1905, and on June 22, 1905, the corner- 
stone of the hospital building was laid. This came as the closing event 
of the graduating exercises for the year. Appropriate addresses were 
made by President John R. Kirk, Dr. J. A. Crow, Dr. Nettie Olds Haight, 
and Dr. A. T. Still. Dr. Still laid the corner stone. 

In the course of a few months the hospital was open for patients. 
It has an aseptic operating room, a clinical amphitheatre, a lying-in 
ward, forty private rooms and two wards. It has a capacity of fifty 
to seventy-five patients. The building is made of brick and heavy 
gray stone, is two stories high, and is 78 ])y 108 feet. Patients are brought 
from all parts of the country by osteopathic physicians. 

In 1906 a training school for nurses was established, and young 
women were given training and instruction in nursing. The course is 
two years in length, and already sixteen have graduated as trained 
nurses. Across the street from the hospital is the nurses' cottage. 

The Superintendents of the hospital have been Leone Dalton, 
Mary Walters, Miss Cust, Lulie Hall, Bessie Ammerman, Rena Bam- 
bert, and Mrs. Ada R. Nesbit. 

In 1903 the institution established a sanitarivnn at St. Louis, called 
the A. T. Still Sanitarium and Hospital. Dr. A. G. Hildrcth was in 
charge of it at first, and then later Dr. W. D. Dobson managed it. It 
was given up during the year 1908. 

Several schools of osteopathy have been consolidated with the 
American School of Osteopathy within the last few years. Among 
these schools that have been thus consolidated are: the Dr. S. S. Still 
College of Osteopathy of Des Moines, Iowa, with which had already 
been consolidated the Northern Institute of Osteoi)athy of Minneapolis, 
Minnesota, and the Northwestern (College of Osti^opathy of Fargo, 
N. D.; the Milwaukee Colege of Osteopathy of Milwaukee, Wis.; the 
Bolles Institute of Osteopathy (the Colorado College of Osteopathy) 
of Denver, Colo.; the Ohio College of Osteopathy of Chillicothe, Ohio; 
the Atlantic School of Osteopathy of Buffalo, N. Y.; and the Southern 
School of Osteopathy of Franklin, Ky. Graduates of these schools 



260 History of Adair County. 

were grant etl cUi^lonias by the American School of Osteopathy, as the 
schools from which they had graduated were consolidated with the 
A. S. 0. 

The course of study at first was very brief. It consisted largely 
of a stud}^ of anatomy, physiology, diagnosis and practice of osteopathy. 
No set amount of time was required to graduate. A student Avas grad- 
uated when he got through with his work. As a rule that took just 
about a year. In 1896-97 the course Avas added to, and two years of 
work of four terms of twenty weeks each were required of each student 
for graduation. In 1905-06 the course was lengthened one more year, 
each of the three \'ears having two semesters of eighteen weeks each. 



^3 V 



!S i! il !l II 






,:^. '• iii iil iiii oi \ j^ i". ^^ "''.' ''';"''' 



Jisli 



; 5 




The School and Hospital Buildings. 

This change in the content of the courses from time to time is seen 
by comparing that for 1897-98, when the school was just getting on its 
feet, and that for 1910-11. 

In 1897-98 the course of instruction extended over two years and 
was divided into four terms of five months each. The first term was 
devoted to Descriptive Anatomy, including Osteology, Syndesmology, 
Myology, Aryology, and Neurology; Histology, including the descrip- 
tion and recognition of the normal tissues of the body; the principles 
of Chemistry and Physics. The second term included Descriptive 
Anatomy of the viscera, and organs of special sense; Regional Anatomy, 
with demonstrations on the cadaver; Didactic and Laboratory work 
in Chemistry; Physiological Chemistry, Urinalysis, and Toxicology; 



Schools of Osteopathy. 



2<)1 



Physiology of circulation, respiration, digestion, al)S()i'])ti()n, assimila- 
tion, secretion and excretion; Principles of Osteo])athy. The third 
term included Regional Anatomy and Pathology, with demon- 
strations on the cadaver; Surface Anatomy, iVdvanced Phj^siology, 
Symptomatology and Pathology; Clinical Demonstrations in Osteo- 
l)athy. The fourth term included Pathological Anatomy, Minor Sur- 
gery, Gynecology and 01)stetrics; Clinical Practice in Osteopathy. 




The Pit for .Sukgery Clinics. (In the Hospital.) 



The course in 1910-11 covers a i)eriod of three years divided into 
sixteen or eighteen weeks each, with a fourth year of seven months. 
The first year includes Anatomy, Histology, (leneral and Physical 
Chemistry and Physiology in the first term; and Anatomy, T3acteriology, 
Physiology, Organic and Physiological Chemistry, Histology and Em- 
bryology in the second term. The second year includes Principles of 
Osteopathy and Applied Anatomy, Descriptive Anatomy, Demon- 
strated Anatomy, Practice of Osteopathy, Osteopathic Mechanics, 
Pathology and Bacteriologv, Hvgiene, Public Health, Dietetics, and 



262 History of Adair County. 

Toxicology in the first term; and Demonstrated Anatomy, Practice of 
Osteopathy, Principles of Osteopathy and Applied Anatomy, Physical 
Diagnosis, Neurology and Spinal Pathology in the second term. The 
third ^^ear includes Osteopathic Clinics, General Surgery, Eye, Ear, 
Nose and Throat, Obstetrics, Clinical Practice, Skin and Venereal 
Diseases, and Pediatrics in the first term; and Osteopathic Clinics, Op- 
erative Surger}^, Gynecology, Clinical Practice, Physical Diagnosis, 
Ambulance and Emergency Work, Obstetrics and Laboratory Diag- 
nosis in the second term. In the fourth year the work is an extension 
of that of the three previous years. Each student in this year is re- 
quired to elect at least twenty hours of lectures besides lal3oratory work. 
As the course extends five months, there are 560 hours required of each 
student in addition to laboratory work. Research must be made in 
some subject assigned by the Faculty and the results em])0(Ued in a 
thesis. 

The strengthening of the course has meant a great increase in lab- 
oratory facilities. There are at present twelve different laboratories. 
These include two for Anatomy, three for Bacteriology and Pathology, 
one for Gynecology, one for Histology, one for Optical work, one for 
Physiology, one for Diagnosis, one for Hospital work, and one for pri- 
vate demonstration. 

The tuition fees have varied from time to time. In 1893 they were 
$500 for males and $200 for females. The course was then one year in 
length. In 1897-98, when the course had been lengthened to two years, 
they were $500 for the entire course for both males and females; in 
1899-1900 they were reduced to $400. In 1900-01 they were reduced 
still further to $300, plus the dissection fees. In 1907-08, when the 
course was lengthened from two to three years the tuition was increased 
to $425. 

An attemj^t has been made to list all the members of the faculty 
from time to time, but there is no assurance that the list given below 
includes all who have been on the regular faculty. An effort was 
also made to determine the length of service of each member, but 
it is not likely that this hass been done successfully in every case. 
The faculty members in the order of their service and with the 
terms of their service as far as could be found, are as follows: 

A. T. Still 1892-93— present. 

C. E. Still 1892-93— present. 

H. M. Still 1892-93—1899-00 

Win. Smith 1892-93—1899-00 

1907 08— 1909-10 



Schools of Osteopathy. 263 

A. G. Hildreth 1894-95—1902-03 

W. E. Patterson 1897-98 

Mrs. Alice Patterson 1897-98 

C. M. T. Hiilett 1897-98 

C. W. Proctor 1897-98—1901-02 

Chas. Hazzard 1897-98 

1900-01—1903-04 
H. T. Still 1899-00 

C. P. McConnell 1899-00 

J. M. Littlejohn 1899-00— 1900 01 

J. B. Littlejohn 1899-00—1900-01 

W. R. Lauo-hlin 1899-00— 1904 05 

D. Littlejohn 1899-00—1900-01 

G. M. Laughlin 1900-01— present. 

M. E. Clark 1900-01— 1906 07 

C. L. Rider 1900-01—1901-02 

F. P. Young 1900 01— 1906-07 

F. J. Fassett 1900-01—1901-02 

G. D. Hulett 1901-02—1904-05 

W. D. Dobson 1902-03—1906-07 

E. C. Link 1903-04—1908-09 

L. van H. Gerdine 1903-04 — present. 

C. H. Hoffmann 1905-06 

Geo. A. Still 1905-06— present. 

R. E. Hamilton 1905-06— present. 

F. G. Crowley 1905-06—1909-10 

E. G. Starr 1905-06—1906-07 

F. P. Pratt 1906-07— present. 

Leone Dalton 1906-07 

Mary Walters 1906-07 

Franklin Fiske 1906-07—1908-09 

W. H. Ivie 1906-07 

E. H. Laughlin 1907-08 

R. H. Coke 1907-08 

R. T. Quick 1908-09 

L. L. Garriques 1908-09 

W. H. McCoach 1908 09 

F. R. Lyda 1909-10— present. 

A. D. Becker 1909-10— present. 

F. L. Bigsby 1909-10— present. 



264 History of Adair Counti. 

C. D. Swopc 1909-10— present. 

J. N. Waggoner 1909-10 — present. 

The Deans of the faculty have been: 

C. M. T. Hulett 1897-98 

J.M.Littlejohn 

G. M. Laughhn 1900-01—1904-05 

W. D. Dobson 1906-06-1906-07 

R. E. Hamilton 1908-09— present. 

Dr. A. T. Still has been President since 1892-93, and Warren 
Hamilton has been Secretary since 1899-00. 

The graduates of the A. S. 0. up to and including the Class of 1910, 
number 2,997. The number in each class was as follows: 

1894 

1895 

1896 

1897 

1898 

1899 

1900 

1901 

1902 

Total 2997 

The very large classes of 1900 and 1901 were due to the fact that 
there were graduated in those years a large number of students from 
the Cohunbia School of Osteopathy, the rival school of the A. S. 0., 
which was finally cIoscmI up in 1901. The drop in number in 1908 was 
due to the fact that only one class was graduated in that year. 

If to the A. S. 0. graduates there be added the 1181 graduates of 
the various schools that have been consolidated with the A. S. O., the 
total alumni will run up to 4,355. 

The student body is very cosmopolitan. In it are to l)e found men 
and women from all j^arts of this country, and many from foreign lands. 
Many of them are college and university graduates. The last ten years 
have seen a marked increase in the enrollment of well prei)ared young 
men and women in this institution. A high school education or its 
equivalent is recjuired for admission, but this has not been rigidly en- 
forced. Hence, there are to be found men and women, some of them 
quite mature in years, who have had no scholastic training to speak of, 
side by side with men and women of high scholastic attainments. The 
legislation in many states which requires all candidates for license to 
practice osteopathy to have a certain amount of school education be- 



19 


1903 


262 


26 


1904 


263 


48 


1905 


246 


48 


1906 


266 


136 


1907 


183 


185 


1908 


107 


317 


1909 


135 


334 


1910 


153 


269 








o 




266 History of Adair County. 

fore applying for a license, is having a direct effect on the character of 
the student body here. Those with slight academic attainments are be- 
coming more and more a minority each year. In justice to the case, 
however, it should be said that many of the best practitioners in the 
profession are men and women who have not had much in the waj^ of 
scholastic training prior to their study of osteopathy. 

The student organizations include clubs, fraternities, and Chris- 
tian organizations. The oldest of them is perhaps the Atlas Club, an 
association of men for general social and professional interests. The 
Axis Club is a similar organization for women. The two clubs have 
maintained joint club rooms in the Dockery building off the northeast 
corner of the square for over ten years. Certain other clubs for sim- 
ilar purposes, but open to both men and women, have been organized, 
such as the Knights of Osteopathy and the Stillonians. The first of 
these, however, is no longer in existence. 

The fraternities are purely social organizations. There are two or 
three of these. 

The Y. M. C. A. was organized in 1898, and the Y. W. C. A. in 
1899. Both organizations offer opportunities for co-operative Chris- 
tian activity and fellowship. Association houses have been maintained 
by each of them, furnishing comfortable quarters for many of the mem- 
bers at inexpensive rates and also giving the associations definite cen- 
ters for their activities. 

The institution issues several regular publications. The first cat- 
alogue was not issued until 1897; in this were given the announcements 
for 1897-98. Prior to that time the school made its announcements 
through the newspapers. In May, 1897, the Journal of Osteopathy 
was established. This is a monthly periodical and is devoted to the 
dissemination of news and items of general interest. It is to be dis- 
tinguished from the Osteopathic Journal, which is a field journal for the 
practitioner. 

The student publications are the Bulletin, published by the Atlas 
and Axis Clubs; The Stillonian, ])ublished monthly by the Stillonian 
Society; the Alpha, by the Iota Tau Sigma fraternity; the Theta Psi 
Signet, by the Theta Psi fraternity; the Osteoblast, the annual pub- 
lished by the Junior class. 

The students have been active in several forms of outdoor ath- 
letics, such as football, basketball and base])all. Tennis and golf have 
been popular at times. 

For several years after the school began to scmkI out graduates^ 
osteopathy had no legal status in Missouri. It was felt desirable to 



268 History of Adair County. 

acquire legal recognition through the legislature, and the first effort 
was made in 1895. A bill was passed by both houses providing among 
other things that no person should practice osteopathy in the state 
unless he had received a diploma from a legally chartered or established 
school of osteopathy. ]\Iuch to the disappointment of the friends of 
osteopathy throughout the state, and especially in Kirksville, Governor 
Stone vetoed it within four hours after the adjournment of the Legis- 
lature. The principal objection was that osteopathy was a secret and 
should not be legalized. 

Though the defeat of this bill was disapjiointing at the time, the 
friends of osteopath}^ have since been glad that it was vetoed. The next 
bill was an improvement over the first one and served the profession 
better than the other would have done. 

In 1897 another bill legalizing osteopathy was introduced in the 
Legislature and after passing the House by a vote of 101 to 16, and the 
Senate by 26 to 3, Governor Stephens, who had been benefited person- 
ally b.y osteopathic treatment, signed the bill. This bill provided in 
the first place that the sj'stem, method or science of treating diseases 
of the human body, commonly called Osteopathy, and as taught and 
practiced by the American School of Osteopathy at Kirksville, Mis- 
souri, is not the practice of medicine and surgery within the meaning 
*of Article L, Chapter 110 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri of 1889, 
and is not subject to the provisions of that article. It further provided 
that any person having a diploma regularly issued by the American 
School of Osteopathy of Kirksville, Missouri, or any other legally char- 
tered and regularly conducted school of Osteopathy, who shall have 
been in ]K'i-sonal attendance as a student in such school for at least four 
terms of not less than five months each before graduation, shall be au- 
thorized to treat diseases of the human body according to such system, 
after having filed the diploma for record with the county clerk of the 
county in which such person purposes to practice. It was further pro- 
vided that any person who should practice or pretend to practice or 
use the system, method or science of Osteopathy in treating diseases 
of the human l)ody without having complied with the provisions of this 
act, should be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and be subject to a fine. 

The credit for securing the passage of this bill belongs particularly 
to Dr. H. p]. Patterson, now deceased, and Dr. A. G. Hildreth. Gov- 
ernor Stephens was l)itterly attacked by the medical profession of the 
state for liis ai)pr()val of the bill, but he replicni to his assailants that the 
t)ver\vhelining vote in both houses showed him that the state was evi- 



Schools of Osteopathy. 



269 



dently in favor of osteopathy and that he had reasons of his own for 
beheving in its efficacy. 

The rejoicing- in Kirksville was great when the news came that the 
Governor had approved the bilL During the rejoicing Dr. Still's ad- 
mirers literally forced him into a clothing store and presented him with 
a fine Prince Albert suit of clothes and a plug hat. They tlien got him 
into a photograph gallery and had his picture taken in this garb. As 
soon as he got home he took off these "duds," and it is asserted that he 




Memorial Hall. 



never put them on again. His usual careless dress was much more to 
his liking than what his friends would have been pleased to have him 
wear. 

The law of 1897 remained until 1903, when a bill was passed creat- 
ing a State Board of Examination which should pass upon persons who 
were candidates to practice osteopathy. Only five votes were passed 
against this bill. Even the State Board of Medical Examiners rec- 
ommended its passage, showing that the feeling of animositj^ against 
osteopathy was dying out and that active opposition was a thing of the 
past in the state. 



270 



History or Adair County. 



The most important provisions of the law of 1903, including the 
amendments of 1907, are as follows: 

1. The State Board consists of five persons appointed by the Gov- 
ernor of the State. Their terms are arranged so that the term of one 
memlier expires each year. The Board elects its own President, Sec- 
retary and Treasurer. The Secretary receives a salary of not more than 
$1,500 per annum. The Board keeps a register of all applicants for 
certificates, giving the name of the institutions from which they re- 
ceived dii)lomas and whether they were rejected or granted certificates. 

2. Persons desiring to practice osteopathy in the state must secure 
a certificate from this Board. This certificate is made on the basis of 
a statement made as to his study in a school of osteoijathy and of an 
examination by the Board on anatomy, physiology, physiological chem- 
istry, toxicology, osteopathic pathology, diagnosis, hygiene, obstetrics 
and gynecology, surgery, principles and practice of osteopathy, and 
other subjects as the Board may require. Provision is made, however, 
for a discretionary dispensing with this examination in the case of an 
osteopathic physician who is a graduate of a reputable college of osteo- 
path}^ and who presents a certificate issued on examination by a boartl 
of some other state. 

Other provisions are included for registering the certificates and 
for infractions of the law by persons who do not comply with its pro- 
visions. 

In addition to the legal recognition given to osteopathy in Mis- 
souri, similar recognition has been given in some form or other in forty- 
one other states and territories in the Union. Thev are as follows: 



Alabama 

Arizona 

Arkansas 

California 

Colorado 

Connecticut 

Delaware 

Florida 

Hawaii 

Idaho 

Illinois 

Indiana 

Iowa 

Kansas 



Kentucky 

Maryland 

Massachusetts 

Michigan 

Minnesota 

Mississippi 

Missouri 

Montana 

Nebraska 

New Mexico 

New York 

North Carolina 

North Dakota 

Ohio 



Oklahoma 

Oregon 

Pennsylvania 

South Carolinra 

South Dakota 

Tennessee 

Texas 

Utah 

Vermont 

Virginia 

Washington 

West Virginia 

Wisconsin 

Wyoming 



It has also been legalized in British Columbia. 



Schools of Osteopathy. 271 

The legal status given osteopathy in at least most of the states 
named above was secured very largely through the efforts of the A. S. 
O. Representatives of the institution have appeared l^efore Legisla- 
tures and Governors and explained the system and thus contributed 
to the success in securing favorable legislation. 

The American Osteopathic Association was organized in April, 
1897. It has convened twice in Kirksville. The first time was in July, 
1901. It was known at that time as the American Association for the 
Advancement of Osteopathy, but the name was changed at the meeting 
at Kirksville in 1901. Representatives of eight schools of osteopathy 
were in attendance, and three other schools were admitted by the Asso- 
ciation. 

The twelfth annual meeting was held in Kirksville August 3-G, 
1908. The particular reason for holding it in Kirksville at that time 
was in honor of Dr. Still's eightieth birthday. Osteopaths from all 
parts of the country came. Many came in special coaches, and the 
Chicago, New York and eastern delegations came in a special train 
of six coaches. About seven hundred members of the A. O. A. regis- 
istered, but it was believed there were several hundred more osteopaths 
visiting the convention who did not register. 

The sessions of the convention were held under a l)ig tent in what 
was known then as the Chautauciua park on East Jefferson street be- 
tween Mulanix and Florence streets. The opening session was on 
Monday morning, August 3, at which Dr. Still made the welcome ad- 
dress in his own characteristic style. Sessions were held every morn- 
ing, afternoon and evening for three days. In addition to these general 
sessions, a number of surgical operations were performed at the A. S. 
O. Hospital and some cliiiical demonstrations given. Sessions of the 
Missouri Valley Osteopathic Association and of the Missouri Osteo- 
pathic Association were also held during the A. 0. A. convention. 

The biggest day was Thursday, August 6, the "Old Doctor's" 
eightieth l)irthday. The citizens of Kirksville and the delegates to the 
A. 0. A. joined in honoring the founder of osteopathy. At eight o'clock 
that morning a life-size portrait of Dr. Still was unveiled. The por- 
trait was presented to the A. S. 0., by the alumni of that institution. A 
special program was rendered, in w^iich addresses were made by Dr. 
J. A. DeTienne of Brooklyn, Dr. J. L. Holloway of Dallas, Dr. A. G. 
Hildreth of St. Louis, Dr. Ernest Sisson of Oakland, Dr. Chas. Haz- 
zard of New York, Dr. L. van H. Gerdine of Kirksville, and Dr. Geo. 
W. Riley of New York. 

At eleven o'clock the first of the citizens' sessions was held. Ad- 



272 



History of Adair County. 



dresses were made by Mayor Selby, Dr. S. T. Lyne, and Dr. A. G. 
Hildreth. The second of the citizens' sessions was held in the afternoon at 
two o'clock. This was preceded by the parade, which had been post- 
poned from the morning because of the rain. At the head of the parade 
were the Knights of Pythias in uniform, who were followed by the Nov- 
inger Band, and the Corporal Dix Post, G. A. R. After them came the 
Old Doctor's carriage which contained Dr. Still and his escort. Fol- 
lowing the carriage came Dr. Still's relatives and A. S. 0. P'aculty^ 




rnocKssiox ON THK "( )ld Doctor's Day," August 6, 190S. 



Osteopathic state delegations. Normal School students, A. S. O. stu- 
dents, and citizens of Kirksville. Th(> lu^ad of the parade reached the 
park before the rear had left the A. S. O. 

The program consisted of addresses by Mr. J. A. Cooley, Prof. B. 
P. Gentry, Rev. F. W. Gee, and Prof. H. Clay Harvey. In the evening 
the program was continued with addressees by Dr. W. C. Templeton 
and President John R. Kirk. At the close of President Kirk's remarks 
he presented Dr. Still a loving cup valued at $250 from the citizens of 
Kirksville. This was the second one jirescnted to him during the con- 
vention. 

During the convention $43,000 was raised for the fund for osteo- 
jiuthic researcli. That fund aggregated at that time $70,000. 



Schools of Osteopathy. 



273 



Section II. — The Columbian School of Osteopathy. 

For several years Kirksville had two schools of osteopathy, the 
second one bemg theCohnnl)ian School of Osteopathy which was estab- 
lished in 1897, under Dr. M. L. Ward. Dr. Ward had been Vice-Presi- 
dent of the A. S. 0. under the first charter of 1892, but for various rea- 
sons he had withdrawn from this institution, and believing that there 
was room for a^iother infirmary and school of osteopathy in Kirksville, 
he interested several people of the town in the matter and succeeded in 
maintaining a rival institution for several years. Naturally the rivalry 
between the two schools was quite l)itter, and all the more so since 




Dr. M. L. Ward. 



both Dr. Still and Dr. W^ard claimed to be the original discoverer of 
the science of osteopathy. 

Dr. jVI. L. Ward was born in Ohio on May 30, 1849. He came to 
Missouri in 1870. He claimed that he began his study along the lines 
(jf osteopathy as early as 1862, when he was yet a youth, and that he 
frequently secured results without understanding how he got them. He 
claimed that in 1889 he made for himself the discovery for which he 
had been seeking. He was a member of the first graduating class in 
Dr. Still's school of osteopathy in 1894, and graduated from the Mechcal 
( 'oUege of Ohio on April 9, 1897, after having spent the three winters 
there following his graduation with Dr. Still. 



^ 




Schools of Osteopathy. 275 

The Columbian School of Osteopathy was chartered in October, 
1897, and was incor]:)orated by the Circuit Court of Adair County early 
in November. The officers of the incorporation were: Dr. M. L. 
Ward, President; H. J. Bailey, Vice-President; P. J. Rieger, Secre- 
tary; R. M. Brashear, Treasurer. The fifth member of the Board was 
J. M. McCall. The financial management was in the hands of Mr. 
Brashear, who is said to have furnished practically all the money needed 
to start the institution. 

This school was opened on November 8, 1897, in the McGuire 
building just off the northwest corner of the square. The enrollment on 
the first day was twenty-seven. The faculty was composed of Dr. M. 
L. Ward, President; Dr. C. H. Thomas, Anatomy; Dr. H. B. Rob- 
bins, Chemistry; Dr. E. S. Quinn, Physiology. In a newspaper adver- 
tisement prior to the opening, Dr. Ward announced that "the school 
will be non-sectarian; hence Spiritualism, Methodism, Presbyterian- 
ism, Baptism, Catholicism or any other ism or politics will not be in- 
cluded in the courses of study." 

In a published interview which appeared in January, 1898, Dr. 
Ward had the following to say concerning the school: 

"The object of the Columbian School of Osteopathy is to bring 
forward some of the lost sciences that were known, practiced and applied 
by the ancients in Athens over 2,000 years ago. This period of the his- 
tory of Athens was looked upon by all nations as the one center of edu- 
cation, healing, sciences and inventions. Masonry, architecture, and 
tempering of metals and many other things of like character gave it first 
place in the history of the world. During this, the Olympian age, the 
ancients had their annual games, such as wresthng, boxing, foot racing 
and various other sports, which frequently resulted in injuries, and dis- 
locations. Readjustments were made, medicine and surgery were 
practiced by men who were known as 'bone setters. 

"The true science of healing, considered in all its phases, conse- 
quently consists of osteopathy, surgery, and medicine. This science 
was practiced by Zeno, Epicurus, Epictetus, Catelles, and others about 
ninety-five j^ears B. C. This is the science that is being brought for- 
ward by Dr. M. L. Ward, the founder of the great Columbian School of 
Osteopathy. It is claimed to be the only school of osteopathy giving 
instruction in medicine, surgery and mechanical manipulation. It is 
likewise the only institution requiring six terms to complete the full 
course in all departments." 

The osteopathy course required a period of twenty months, or four 
terms of five months each. The course in medicine required two terms 



276 History of Adair County. 

of six months each in addition to the twenty months in osteopathy. 
In other words, at the end of twenty months, the diploma was granted 
to the student graduating in the full course of osteopathy. If the stu- 
dent wished to pursue the course of medicine, he could do so and at the 
end of the three years he received a diploma recognizing him as a doc- 
tor of medicine. 

The avowed object of the founder of the school was to coml^ine 
medicine, surgery and mechanical manipulation so as to make osteopathy 
what he termed a true science. "True Osteopathy" was a favorite 
term with him. 

Prior to the opening of the school work had begun on a building 
for it in the southeastern part of the town which, according to one news- 
paper, was called "Mount Brashear." The building was completed 
early in 1898 and was occupied at once. It was a verj^ imposing three- 
story brick structure, with a great white dome surmounting it. It was 
arranged for both treating patients and giving instruction to students. 
It cost about $30,000. 

In January, 1900, Dr. Ward became the sole owner of the school 
and all its property, Mr. Brashear and the other stockholders retiring. 
It seems that this arrangement was in accordance with the agreements 
made when the school was begun in November, 1897. 

The first graduating exercises were held in the grove adjacent to 
the school building on June 27, 1899. There were thirty-nine in the 
class. The second class of thirty-eight was graduated in February, 
1900. A third class was graduated in June, 1900, but this was the last. 
The school opened in the fall of 1900, but before the year was out, it 
was suspended, and the students were enrolled in the A. S. O. 

Long drawn out litigation between Dr. Ward and Mr. Brashear 
over the property, ensued, terminating in the latter getting control 
of the same. For years the ])uilding has remained unoccupied, except 
when a club has occupied it temporarily. 



CHAPTER XIII. 
THE COUNTY PRESS. 

A sketch of journalism in Adair County would, if adequately writ- 
ten, go back to the time when the first newspaper was established in 
the county. Indeed it would go back further than that and give some 
account of what newspapers printed outside of the county circulated 
in the county prior to the founchng of a paper in the county. But that 
part of the task cannot be accomplished, and what little is said on the 
early history of newspapers in the county must be fragmentary. This 
is largely due to the fact that no complete files of the earliest papers 
have come down to us, and of some of these papers not a single issue, 
as far as known, now exists. As a matter of fact no newspaper ever 
published in the county, save the North Missouri Register which was 
pubhshed from 1870 to 1879, has a complete file of its issues. Care- 
lessness in preserving the files or destructive fires have been responsible 
for the incompleteness of the files. The historical value of the news- 
paper in spite of its inaccuracies of various sorts, is not realized gener- 
ally until we desire to look up some matter which we know will be set 
forth in a newspaper especially if it is of early date. Adair County's 
history will not be as fully written as it ought to be, especially in the 
late fifties and early sixties, because of the loss of the early newspaper 
files. 

Tradition has it that in February, 1843, a printer by the name of 
Benjamin Davis came to Kirksville and opened up a job printing office. 
He got out such things as posters and hand-bills, among which were 
some posters advertising the sale of town lots in Kirksville. He under- 
took, however, no newspaper. 

It appears that the Kirksville Enterprise was the first paper pub- 
lished in the county. It seems to have been started in 1856 or there- 
abouts. In other words, the county had been settling up for twenty- 
five years or more and had been organized about fifteen years before a 
single newspaper was established. This means that during these years 
the early settlers read practically nothing, for the probabilities are that 
very few newspapers published outside the county circulated among 
them. The Enterprise is said to have been started as a campaign pa- 
per in behalf of Buchanan during his campaign for the Presidency. It 
was not intended to become a permanent publication, but it succeeded 



278 History of Adair County. 

so well it was continued after the campaign. L. F. Walden is said to 
have been the first editor and publisher. This publication changed 
hands frequently during its short career and was finally merged with 
the Democrat about 1859. 

The Democrat was founded some time in October, 1858 by Foster 
and Stone, with J. D. Foster as editor. Wm. B. Harmless in an article 
published in the North Missouri Register for January 6, 1876, mentions 
having an issue of the Democrat for December 23, 1858, before him, 
and says it was Vol. I, No. 15. This fixes the time when the paper 
was established with considerable certainty at about October, 1858. 
It is not known just when this paper and the Enterprise were merged, 
but it is believed it was done by E. M. C. Morelock in 1859. Morelock 
had bought the Enterprise from Charles Jones, and later the Democrat 
from Foster and Stone. When the war broke out the Democrat was 
the only paper in the county as far as is known; that the only paper 
in the county should be Democratic in politics at that time was in keep- 
ing with conditions, as the county was largely Democratic up to the 
outbreak of the war. 

On August 17, 1861, the Third Iowa Regiment came into Kirks- 
ville running down Confederate recruits. Many who had taken a prom- 
inent part in the agitation of the Confederate cause fled the town, among 
whom was Major Morelock, the editor of the Democrat. The Iowa 
Regiment took charge of his paper and got out a special edition on Au- 
gust 23,1861. As far as is known this was the last issue of the Demo- 
crat, and for many years the county was without any paper at all. Sev- 
eral years after this event, Mr. H. F. Millan of Kirksville, came into 
possession of a copy of this Iowa Regiment edition of the Democrat, 
and he sent it to the Historical Department of Iowa at Des Moines. 
This copy is being carefully preserved there. Further details concern- 
ing this have been mentioned already in the chapter on the Civil War. 

The first Republican paper in the county was estublishetl by Keel 
Bradley some time in August, 1864. It bor(> the name of the Patriot. 
On November 23, 1865, it passed into the hands of W. G. Kernodle, 
and after one more issue its name was changed to that of the Weekly 
Kirksville Journal. Kernodle associated himself with J. H. Myers 
and E. S. Darlington in founding the Journal. The first issue of this 
paper was published on December 2, 1865. At that time there 
was considerable feeling over the question as to whether the State 
should disfranchise the ex-Confederates and their sympathizers. The 
Journal supported the Radical Republican Party which favored dis- 



The County Press. 279 

franchiisenieiit. In Ai)ril, 18(56, W. M. Ciill l)()ut2;lit out Kernodle's 
interest; in the fall of that year John A. Pickler bought out Darlington. 
In June, 1868, Piekler and Gill were still the editors. On January 21, 
1871, Piekler retired and Gill continued to conduct the paper until he 
sold it to S. M. Piekler on July 3, 1873. At the time when Gill assumed 
sole proprietorship in 1871 the paper was increased in size and the name 
changed to the Dollar Journal. S. M. Piekler made several changes 
in the name, calling it for a while Weekly Journal, then Weekly Kirks- 
ville Journal, and finally Kirksville Journal, which name has been re- 
tained continuously from that time to the present. 

In April, 1880, B. F. Heiny purchased a half interest from Piekler, 
and from that time to the present, with the exception of a period extend- 
ing from 1891 to 1894, he has had some connection with the paper. 
A short time after Mr. Heiny had bought an interest, D. S. Hooper pur- 
chased the remaining interest of Mr. Piekler. A little later ]\Ir. Hooper 
disposed of his interest to S. S. McLaughlin. In December, 1886, 
Heiny and McLaughlin leased the paper to Wm. Gill and F. L. Link, 
but this arrangement lasted only a short time w^hen Heiny and Mc- 
Laughlin resumed the management. 

On March 15, 1890, the plant was completely destroyed by a fire 
that swept the south side of the square from the southeast corner up 
to near the southwest corner. All the files of the Journal were lost. The 
few old issues reaching back of the fire, that the paper now has have 
been picked up here and there since that event. The proprietors set 
to work to re-establish the paper immediately. Pending the arrival 
of the new equipment arrangements were made for publishing the next 
few issues in St. I^ouis. The w^eek after the fire the paper came out on 
time, but it contained very little local news. An account of the fire 
and a few locals were all that the paper contained in the way of news. 
After three issues the plant had been re-established in temporary quar- 
ters and the paper appeared with its usual amount of news. 

In October, 1891, Mr. Heiny retired from the paper to become 
Cashier of the Union Bank, a newly established bank in Kirksville, 
now the National Bank of Kirksville. W. F. Link and F. L. Link be- 
came the proprietors, the former acting as editor and the latter as man- 
ager. In April, 1894, F. L. Link sold his interest to W. F. Link. 

On April 22, 1897, articles of incorporation were filed for the Jour- 
nal Printing Company. The firm owning the paper had been known 
by that name since November, 1891, ])ut the paper was not incorporated 
until 1897. B. F. Heiny has been President of the company since its 
incorporation and F. L. Link has likewise been Secretary and Business 



280 



History of Adair County. 



Manager. The Board of Directors has from time to time employed 
some one to write editorial articles; among those thus employed have 
been A. N. Seaber and J. A. Cooley. B. F. Heiny has frequently' done 
this part of the work himself. 

For years the Journal occupied quarters on the second floor of the 
building in which the Normal Book Store has long been, but in 1905 
the compan}' erected the large building it now occupies on McPherson 
street between Franklin and Elson, and moved into it the first day of 
January, 1906. 




r. L. Link 

With the exception of four years during the nineties, Mr. Link has been 

connected with the Journal continuously since 1868. 



The equipment of the Journal has been its pride all along. In 
1879 a two-horse-power steam engine was installed to run the press. 
Though it was insignificant as compared with engines such as would be 
installed now, it was the only one in tiie county and was something 
which the paper felt proud of. The pride of the proprietor, S. M. Pick- 
Icr, over this improvement was manifested in the imprimatur put on 
all things printed in the shop. It read "Kirksville Journal Steam 
Print." Since that time the equi])ment has been steadily improved 



The County Press. 281 

until today it includes a monotype machine, a large two-revolution 
book press and a pony book press. It is said that some of the stock- 
holders sold out their stock at less than yiar when some expensive ma- 
chinery was installed because they feared it would bankrupt the com- 
pany. But the improvements have proved profitable investments. 

The i)ress-work which this company does for other publications 
than the Journal is very extensive. Four different monthly publica- 
tions connected with the A. S. O., and one weekly publication connected 
with the Normal School, besides other pubhcations, are printed by this 
company. It has also printed several different books of considerable 
size, and has for years printed the catalogues of the A. S. 0. and the Nor- 
mal School. 

The capital stock when the company was incorporated was $4,750. 
It has been increased tmce, once to $10,000, and in April, 1910, to 
$20,000. Its business for 1910 amounted to $24,913. 

Much of the success of this establishment has been due to the man- 
ager, Mr. F. L. Link. He began to learn the trade in the Journal print- 
ing office in 1868, when it was owned by J. A. Pickler and Wm. Gill. 
Since that time he has had some connection with the paper with the 
exception of about four years during the nineties. His connection 
with a county paper is therefore longer by far than that of any other 
newspaper man in the county. 

After the suspension of the Democrat, that is the old Democrat, 
during the war, there was no Democratic paper in the county until 1867. 
Early in that year, Ellis & Sons established a paper called the Herald, 
which they managed to run until October, 1870. 

Before this venture in journalism succumbed, another had been 
started, which was called the North Missouri Tribune. The first issue 
was dated August 25, 1870. The editors. Browning and Scovern, were 
strong Radicals. But their career was short. On September 29, 1870, 
F. S. Hoag purchased the paper and changed its politics from Radical 
to Liberal Republicanism. It will be recalled that in the fall election' 
of 1870 the Liberal Republicans had been victorious in the state over 
the Radicals, but the Tribune seemed to have had very little influence 
in affecting the result in Adair County, as this county remained staunch- 
ly Radical during that bitter campaign. 

Before the year in which the Tribune was established was out, it 
liad changed hands again. With the issue of December 1, 1870, W. C. 
B. Gillespie and a man by the name of Lyda JDecame proprietors, the 
first acting as editor. The politics were changed to Democratic and the 



282 History of Adair County. 

name was changed with the issue of December 8, 1870, to that of the 
North Missouri Register. Mr. Lyda retired from the paper in August, 
1871, but Major Gillespie retained his connection until April, 1879. 
For several years during Major Gillespie's connection with this paper 
he conducted another one at Macon also. He was accustomed to di- 
vide his time between Kirksville and Macon, and to prepare material 
which was inserted in both papers identically alike. He found it up- 
hill work maintaining a strong Democratic paper in a Republican coun- 
ty, and once or twice he affiliated himself with some third party which 
had been organized in the county. In 1874 he espoused the People's 
party cause until late in the campaign, and in 1878 he came very near 
coming out squarely for the Greenbackers. 

When Major Gillespie sold the paper in April, 1879 to Felix Lane 
he reserved the right to use its name and he proceeded to buy the 
Macon Examiner and at once changed its name to the North Missouri 
Register. This paper he maintained for several years. Mr. Lane 
changed the name of the paper he bought from Major GiUespie in 
Kirksville to the Kirksville Democrat. He continued his connection 
with it until March 11, 1880, at which time Dr. A. H. John, a unique 
character in the political affairs of the county took charge. On July 
20, 1882, J. U.Barnard, who had long been a member of the faculty of 
the State Nor- mal School at Kirksville, bought the paper and in Au- 
gust of that year W. L. Chappell became a partner of Mr. Barnard 
in pubhshing the paper. Li October, 1883, the latter retired, having 
sold his interest to his partner. Later Mr. Chappell's brother bought 
an interest in the paper and still later, at least by March 29, 1888, the 
firm went by the name of Chappell, Bailey S: Company. 

On March 15, 1890, the plant was destroyed by the same fire that 
destroyed the Journal. Fortunately its files from 1882 to 1888 were 
saved, but the files from 1879 to 1882, and from 1888 to 1890 were de- 
stroyed. The files of the North Missouri Register from 1870 to 1879 
were also destroyed in this same fire, l)ut fortunately Major Gillespie 
had saved two files, and when he left Kirksville in 1879 took one of 
them with him to Macon. After his death in 1903, these files which he 
had prized so highl}', were donated b}' his daughters, Mrs. Ammen and 
Mrs. Maxon, to the State Normal School at Kirksville. 

On September 10, 1891, Chappell and Bailey sold the Democrat 
to-C. S. Orcutt, who had been editor of the Monticello Journal in Lewis 
County. The first issue under Mr. Orcut contained a long editorial 
to the Democrats of Adair County urging upon them greater unity of 
action and more harmony of spirit so that victory might be more regu- 



The County Press. 283 

larly theirs. It will be reeulled that the election of 1890 had been a 
regular landslide locally for the Democrats by a happy combination 
with the Farmers' Alliance, and it was not yet appariMit that such a 
victory would not be regularl}^ repeated. 

Mr. Orcutt remained in charge of the ])aper until ill health com- 
pelled him to retire early in 1903. On February 6, 1903, Dr. W. T. 
Stephenson became proprietor and editor and remained so until De- 
cember 29, 1905, when the Kirksville Democrat Printing Company 
was organized. This company was composed of R. Minter, editor, and 
J. P. English, manager. Under Dr. Stephenson the name had been 
changed to The Democrat. This was now changed back to the Kirks- 
ville Democrat. On May 24, 1907, J. C Calhoun became editor and 
manager. Since then frequent changes have been made in the manage- 
ment. On January 17, 1908, S. T. Willey assumed the duties of man- 
ager and has remained so up to the present. Several men have since 
that time had charge of the editorial work, among them C. N. Tolman, 
Jas. Ellison and S. T. Willey himself. The present editor is I. H. Hum- 
phrey. INIeanwhile, the company which owned the paper was incor- 
porated, this having taken place on October 17, 1908. 

The Graphic was established by Dr. J. M. Swetnam as publisher 
and proprietor, and W. ]M. Gill, who had been formerly connected with 
the Journal, as editor. It seems as though this second Republican 
paper in the county was established as the result of a faction in the party 
wdiich is said to have grown out of a fight for the Kirksville post office. 
The Journal naturally opposed the move to get out another Republican 
paper, and a petition was circulated among the Rei:>u]3licans protesting 
against it, but all to no avail. Gill continued as editor until December, 
1881. In June, 1882, Dr. Swetnam leased the paper to W. M. Gill 
and Jacob Sands. Sands seems to have been connected with the paper 
until the last of December of that year. In June, 1883, T. E. Sublette 
purchased the paper from Swetnam and retained Gill as editor until 
March, 1885, when he assumed control. He has been proprietor and 
editor from that time to this, and has today the record of having been 
an editor longer than any one in the county. 

The Graphic has l^een a sort of free lance ever since its establish- 
ment. While Republican in principle, it has not hesitated to criticize 
individual Republicans and to support Democrats at times. It was 
particularly favorable to Folk for Governor in 1904. 

In February, 1887, the i:)lant was moved into a small brick build- 
ing, said to be the oldest brick business building in town, on Franklin 



284 



History of Adair County. 



street, just off the southeast corner of the square. It remained there 
until it was moved in 1910 to West McPherson street, next to the Jour- 
nal Printing Company. 




T. E. .Sublette 
Editor of the Graphic since 1885. 



Each of the weekly papers in Kirksville has at some time or other 
maintained a daily, but no one kept it up very long. The first to start, 
as far as is known, was the Daily Journal. The first issue was on May 
18, 1875, when S. M. Pickler was editor of the Journal. This venture 
did not outlast the year, suspending at Christmas. In 1881-82 the Daily 
Graphic was issued, and some time in the eighties there was a daily 
Democrat. It appears that the Daily Journal was revived about this 
time, but for how long is not known. It was revived again in 1891 and 
ran from August 26 to December 30. No one of these efforts was prof- 
itable, hence their suspension shortly after their inauguration. 

The Daily Express has been the only daily paper in the county 
which has proved a success financially so far. It was started some time 
in November, 1901, by N. A. Matlick and J. Rice. In a short time the 



The County Press. ^ 285 

latter retired, and then in January, 1905, the paper was sold to the 
Journal Printing Company. On June 1, 1906, C. C. Howard, formerly 
of the Brashear News, bought the paper from the Journal and began a 
series of improvements which have brought it to what it is at the pres- 
ent. In 1907 Walter Ridgway was employed as Business Manager, 
and in November, 1909 he and E. E. Swain purchased the^ paper from 
Mr. Howard. In March, 1911, Mr. Ridgway announced his retire- 
ment by May 1, having sold his interest to Mr. Swain. 

The Thrice-a-Week Echo was estalDlished by J. W. Settle in March, 
1905. As the name suggests it appeared three time a week. After 
maintaining it for two or three years Mr. Settle sold it to S. R. Lloyd, 
who changed the name to the Kirksville Herald. Later he moved the 
paper to Greentop. 

The town of Brashear has for a long time supported a newspaper of 
some sort. The early efforts at establishing a paper were not very 
successful. Several papers were started and very shortly given up. 
Among them were the Brashear Gazette which was started in 1880, 
but was very soon suspended because of the litigation among its cred- 
itors; the Salt River Bugle, which was edited by W. H. Jayne, but just 
when is not known; and the Brashear Citizen, which was founded by 
E. S. Link in December, 1886. That, too, became a subject of. litiga- 
tion and was suspended by the close of the next year. 

The present paper, the Brashear News, has been a financial suc- 
cess. It was founded by E. L. Hilbert, the first issue appearing on 
August 6, 1896. In June, 1897 he disposed of it to M. B. Sherwood, 
who in turn sold it to C. C. Howard in July, 1898 The paper was in a 
fair way of dying out when Mr. Howard took hold of it, but he gave it a 
new start and considerably expanded it. When he came to Kirksville 
to take charge of the Daily Express, in June, 1906, he sold the News to 
Foster Moore, who is still editor and proprietor. 

The files that have been preserved show that the paper has been 
careful all along to gather as much county news as possible from all 
parts of the county, especially the eastern part. The equipment of the 
office is considerable for so small a place. 

Novinger has one newspaper, the Novinger Record. This was 
founded by the Record Printing Company, with Nat L. Johnson as 
manager. The first issue was March 25, 1904. In 1907 the paper was 
sold to the Novinger Printing Company, which was composed of J. J. 
Wells, Marion Rombauer, and J. M. Wood. The last named was made 



286 History of Adair County, 

editor. He was shortly followed by George Melvin. In 1909 Walter 
Eason took charge of the paper and remained with it until October, 
1910, when F. L. Morrow became editor. The circulation has run at 
times to as high as 1170, but its normal circulation is between 600 and 
1000. 

For a wliile in 1906, Mr. Johnson of the Novinger Record, also pub- 
lished a Connelsville paper, but that proved unremunerative and hence 
was suspended. 

Besides the papers that have been mentioned there have been sev- 
eral others started and kept going for a while. Many of these were 
political papers pure and simple. 

One of these was called the Pell Mell Greenbacker, edited by C. E. 
Kinman who had formerly lived at Edina. As the name suggests the 
paper was an organ of the Greenback party. It was established before 
1887, but just when it was started and when it quit is not known. 

The Farmers' Alliance gave rise to a paper devoted exclusively to 
its purposes, called the Adair County Farmer, and later the Farmer's 
Advocate. It was evidently established in 1892, with J. T. Miller as 
editor. In March, 1894 it was sold to a stock company, whereupon 
J. Weller Long of Warrensburg was made editor. When Mr. Long re- 
tired in September of that year, J. M. McCall acted as editor for a few 
months. Allen Osenbaugh succeeded Mr. McCaU and continued the 
paper until 1898, when he sold the plant to a man who moved it out of 
the count V. 



CHAPTER XIV. 
INDUSTRIES. 

Section I. — Agriculti^re and Stock Raising. 

The chief industry of the county is agriculture and has been from 
the beginning. Prior to the war very few other industries were carried 
on. A Httle coal mining was done in the western part of the county, 
but it was not until rather recently that it was developed to what it 
is at the present. Many industries were carried on in the homes such 
as spinning and weaving. A tanyard was conducted from 1840 to 
1855 by Washington and Lewis Conner, on the farm now owned by 
Ira Collet six miles west of Kirksville. Deer, bear and cattle hides 
were tanned here. Inasmuch as farming has been the chief industry 
of the county, it will be considered first, and others will be taken up in 
the order which seems most logical. 

The eastern and western parts of the county offer the best advan- 
tages for farming, though certain portions of the western part are very 
fine for agricultural purposes. The chief crop is corn, though some 
wheat, oats and hay are raised. The estimated production of these 
crops in the county during the year 1909 is, according to the Bureau 
of Labor Statistics for 1910, as follows: 

ACRES. AVERAGE YIELD TOTAL YIELD ESTIMATED 
PER ACRE OF COUNTY MARKET VALUE 

Wheat 2, 148 17 bu. 36, 516 bu. $ 39, 072 

Corn 62, 296 29 bu. 1, 806, 584 bu. 1, 083, 950 

Oats 3, 640 25 bu. 91, 000 bu. 37, 310 

Hay and forage .... 73, 309 80, 039 tons 685, 431 

Total $1,845,763 

From this it will be seen that the average yield of wheat is only 17 
bushels, of corn 29 bushels, and oats 25 bushels. That the soil of the 
county is capal^le of a large yield of at least corn and wheat, has been 
well demonstrated. In 1884 the Graphic offered a prize of $25 in cash 
to the one who would raise the best acre of corn. Nine contestants 
entered the race. They reported yields ranging from 78 to 149 bushels 
to the acre. The prize was won by John W. Parker, who raised 149 
bushels on an acre; Wm. Conway, who lived two miles south of Bra- 
shear, came out second best with a yield of 132 bushels. In 1887 Mr. 
Salmon Otto of Sloan's Point, offered a prize of $25 in cash to one who 
produced the largest yield of wheat to the acre. The prize was won by 



Industries. 289 

Thos. Pope of the western part of the county, whose yield was over 
56 bushels to the acre. Others showed 44 and 51 bushels. 

These tests show that at the present time with iniprovinl facilities 
and more scientific methods than prevailed in the eighties when the 
contests were on, the average yield ought to be more now than it is. 

A comparison of the data in the table given above for 1909, with 
similar data for 1870, shows some interesting facts. For example, in 
1870 there were over 46,500 l)ushels of wheat raised in the county as 
against 36,516 in 1909; of corn there were 216,162 bushels in 1870, and 
1,806,584 in 1909; of hay there were 10,469 tons in 1870, and 80,639 
tons in 1909. No report was made for oats in 1870. From these compar- 
isons it is seen that the yield in wheat has decreased, while that of corn 
and hay has increased remarkably. The decrease in the yield of wheat 
may be due, not to a smaller acreage but to a poorer season, but the in- 
crease in corn and hay is evidently due to a larger acreage as well as 
perhaps a better season. 

Tradition has it that the first crop of timothy grass in the county 
was grown by Wm. Collet in 1838. It was such a curiosity that people 
came for miles to see it. 

As new farm machinery has been invented it has been brought on 
l)y the enterprising farmers of the county. No one implement created 
so much interest as the harvester and self-binder. The mower and 
reaper had been great inventions, but the harvester and self-binder 
seemed to be an impracticable thing. It seems to have been brought 
into the county first in 1883. The Journal for July 12, 1883, gives a 
long account of the successful demonstration of this machine on the 
farm of D. L. Conner, ten miles southeast of Kirksville. 

The following table taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 
1902 regarding the number and acreage of farms and the values of 
specified classes of farm property on June 1, 1900, and the gross pro- 
ducts of 1899, excluding what was fed to stock, is of interest. For sake 
of comparison the figures for the state and for Adair County are given: 





NO. OF FARMS 


ACRES IN : 


FARMS 




Total With Buildings 


Total 


Improved 


Missouri 


284,886 275,634 


33,997,873 


22,900,043 


Adair Co. 


2,696 2,616 


319,132 


240,892 




VALUES OF 


FARM PROPERTY 


GROSS INCOME 




Lands & Buildings 


Implements 


Live Products 




Improvements 


Machinery 


Stock of 1899 



Missouri $695,470,723 .$148,508,840 $28,602,680 $160,540,004 $161,344,616 
Adair Co. 9,275,060 1,167,360 240,580 1,685,966 1,299,620 



290 History of Adair County. 

Practically every farmer in the county })roduces something in the 
way of live stock and farm yard and dairy products, and several carry 
on stock raising extensively. Among the latter are Still & Laughlin, pro- 
prietors of the Kinloch Farm, Kirksville, and breeders of Jersey cattle; 
Novinger & Sons, Kirksville, breeders of shorthorn cattle; John W. 
Waddill, Brashear, breeder of Jersey cattle; Otto Bros., of Clay Town- 
ship, breeders of mules; C. A. Robinson, Kirksville, breeders of Jer- 
sey cattle; S. J. Miller, Kirksville, importer and breeder of fine horses; 
and H. M. Henley, proprietor of the Henley Ranch, four miles north- 
west of Stahl, breeder of sheep, mules, horses and cattle. The Henley 
Ranch, which embraces 8,000 acres lying in Adair, Sullivan, and Putnam 
Counties, has just recently been established. It has been particularly 
successful with Shropshire sheep and Percheron horses. The record 
for butter-fat is held by one of the cows of the Kinloch herd owned l)y 
Still & Laughlin. The annual sales in the herds owned by these differ- 
ent proprietors attract buyers from long distances. 

The county assessor's live stock census for 1909 was as follows: 

Head Assessed Value 

Horses 9, 409 $405, 370 

Mules 1,335 56,510 

Asses and Jennets 42 2, 725 

Cattle 24, 209 305, 800 

Sheep 11,108 22,455 

Hogs 9,623 34,540 

Miscellaneous 305 300 

Total value $827,700 

As the assessed value is about one-fourth of the actual value the 
above taljle will have to be nmltiplied by four. When that is done it is 
seen that the live stock of the county is worth about $3,000,000. 

The pioneers in the poultry business as a separate Inisiness in the 
county were Holebrooke, Pierce & Wilkes. They began business in 
Kirksville in 1885. After several changes in the firm the business was 
sold to K. C. Coml)s of Menii)his, who later sold out to Chas. Cole. 
In August, 1895, Cole disposed of his business to J. Selby of Quincy. 
A little later the firm became Selbx- ^^^ l^rother, and in 1901 it was in- 
corporated under the name of Selby Poultry Company. This com- 
pany has branches at Edina, Hannibal, and (Juincy, with headquarters 
at Kirksville. Eggs, butter and ])()ultry are the chief products that are 
bought and slii])ped to market; in addition, hides, furs, ])elts, tallow. 



Industries. 



291 



and feathers are ]:>urchased in varying quantities. In 1890 tlu^ firm jmid 
to the people of the county $40,000 for produce, and in 1910 about 
$75,000. The chief market for produce bought here is New York. 

Resides the Selby Company there are the Jonas Produce Comjiany 
of Kirksville and Joe Taylor of Brashear, l)oth of whom deal in farmyard, 
dairy and packing-house ])roducts somewhat extensively; many mer- 
chants at other points in the county do the same on a smaller scale. 
The value of the farmyard, dairy and packing-house products shipped 
out of the county in 1909 by dealers of all kinds amounted to over 
$400,000, according to the last report of the Bureau of Labor Statistics 
of Missouri. 




BuRK Bros Packing Plant, Kirksville. 



One of the most recent industries in the county is the Burk Broth- 
ers Packing Plant. For almost twelve years Burk Brothers have been 
carrying on a wholesale business in meats which has increased year by 
year. Seeing the possibilities for a profitable business done on a large 
scale these men organized the Burk Brothers Packing Plant Company 
in 1909 which was incorporated for $70,000. In the spring and summer 
of 1910 a plant costing $50,000 was erected in the northwest part of 
Kirksville on the "0. K." railroad. It has been in operation since 
September and its products have found ready sale not only in near by 
towns but in many of our large eastern cities. It employs from twenty- 
five to fifty men regularly and slaughters from two hundred to six hun- 



292 History of Adair County. 

dred head of hogs, sheep and cattle per week. A government inspector 
is retained at the plant and nothing is allowed to be offered for sale 
which does not bear his stamp. 

The officers of the company are A. J. Burk, President; L. J. Burk, 
Vice-President; Hiram Selby, Secretary. The stockholders are from 
all parts of the county. 

In the seventies several cheese factories were operated. The 
first as far as is known was established by Montgomery & Hooper in 
Kirksville in 1873. This was maintained only a year or two. Mr. 
Hooper then established one near Millard in 1875 and kept it going for 
three j^ears. At the same time D. A. Ely started one at Sublette. 

The first creamery in Kirksville was started by Blackman & Wilkes 
in 1883. This they maintained until about 1890. For fourteen years 
thereafter the city was without a creamery. In 1904 a stock company 
was formed and the creamery now in operation was built. J. F. Fon- 
cannon was manager until 1908, when the company sold out to Logan 
& Edwards, who are the present proprietors. Statistics arc wanting 
as to the amount of business of this industry year by year, but it is 
known that S28,000 was paid for cream in 1885, and $50,000 in 1910. 

The reports of surplus products of Missouri Counties, which the 
Bureau of Labor Statistics have published from 1890 to the present, 
contain much of interest relative the products of various industries of 
the county. The following compilation from these reports shows what 
have been some of the surplus products of Adair County from year to 
year. In the table certain years are omitted because no statistics were 
given for those years. Surplus products, it should be said are those 
that are shipped out of the county and do not include what is used in 
home consumption. 



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294 History of Adair County. 

The nursery industry was at one time fairly extensive. The Pat- 
terson Nursery, which was in operation from about 1870 to some time 
in the nineties, was a well ordered and successful plant. It was located 
one-half mile northwest of Kirksville. Since its discontinuance there 
has been no well developed industry of the kind in the county. The 
Pattersons were during their time instrumental in stirring up an active 
interest in horticulture in the county. During the eighties a large hor- 
ticultural society was organized and meetings were held once a month. 

During the early nineties the drying of fruit was a paying business. 
During 1890 Trescott Brothers are reported as having dried 29,272 
bushels of apples. After 1894, however, no mention has been found 
of the business having continued. 

Section II. — Manufacturing. 

The milling industry has never been very extensive in the county, 
but the history of the industry reaches back into the early years of the 
county. The first mills were water mills and were generally located 
on the Chariton. Mention has been found of two such mills on the 
Chariton, one called the Ely Mill at what is now Connelsville, and the 
other Hargrave's Mill. These two are said to have been built in 1842, 
and probably Ely's mill was built first. 

The Ely mill was transformed into a steam mill by the German 
communists who came into that neighliorhood in 1850 and founded the 
town of Nineveh, now Connelsville. This was the first steam mill 
in the county and for that matter, it was the only one for a radius of 
perhaps fifty miles or more. IVIen came for miles and miles to get their 
grain ground. This mill ground both corn and wheat. With the dis- 
solution of the colony, the mill was discontinued. 

The first flour mill in Kirksville seems to have been built in 1868. 
It was owned by Hoag, Swigert & Company, and stood in the northern 
part of town. It was tlioroughly remodeled in 1880, but was burned 
to the ground on July 8, 1883. It was then owned by Sam Swigert. 

The people of Kirksville were greatly distressed over this loss, 
especially the merchants. Frequent mass meetings were held in 1885 
and 1886 to consider plans to get another mill. It seems that at that 
time there were no flour mills in the county at all, and it was frequently 
remarked that 60,000 bushels of wheat wcn-e raised in the county every 
year but there was no mill to grind it up. 

The desire for a mill was realized in 1887 or early in 1888, when 
Russell & Burklin built one on the site of the present mill off the north- 






o > 



SO 

en > 



(^ O 

O ai 
^ l-H 




296 History of Adair County. 

west corner of the square. It was scarcely finished when it was l3urned 
to the ground. This occurred in June, 1888. Work was begun on its 
reconstruction at once and was finished by September of that year. 
In 1891 Millbank & Son purchased the mill, and in 1894 Charles Mill- 
bank became the sole owner and has remained so to the present. 

One or two other flour mills on a small scale have been .started in the 
county, but they have not succeeded. Corn meal mills have abounded 
at all times and have been successful. 

For many years sufficient wool was raised in the county to furnish 
raw material for one or two woolen mills or factories. Mention has been 
found of two woolen mills in 1868. One was the Buckhorn Woolen Mills 
near Sharr's Mill on the Chariton, which was operated by Pannabaker 
& Company. The other was the Troy Mills, four miles south of Kirks- 
ville, which was operated by Caldwell & Hall. By 1873 there was one 
mill in Kirksville operated by T. C. Harris. By 1883 Edgar Bigsby 
was proprietor of a Avoolen mill in the northern part of town. Whether 
this is the same one which had been operated by Harris in 1873 or not 
is not known. Several different kinds of woolen goods were produced 
by these mills, such as cassimeres, flannels, jeans, satinettes, blankets, 
linsy, plain and fancy yarn, and the like. By 1893 Kirksville was with- 
out a woolen mill. Scarcity of raw materials was responsible for this. 
The sheep industry has never been sufficiently revived and developed 
since then to call forth woolen mills. 

The planing mill industry has been carried on for thirty-five years 
or more in the county l)y different firms. The first to undertake it on 
a large scale was A. L. Holmes. He came to Kirksville in 1870 and be- 
gan taking contracts to erect buildings about 1875 and continued in 
that work until his death in November, 1910. He began with a small 
horse power saw and planing mill near the northeast corner of the 
square. In 1885 he l)ought a hoo]) pole factor}^ building bey(md the 
junction of the two railroads, and in 1887 moved it to where it now 
stands and considerably enlarged it. Mr. Holmes was the most exten- 
sive contractor Kirksville has ever had. Among the public buildings 
erected l)y him are the Baptist church, Christian church, Cumberland 
Presbyterian church, M. E. Church, South, A. S. 0. Hospital, County 
Jail, and Science Hall of the Normal School. He built very many of the 
business houses and dwellings of the town. The most notable of the 
latter is the residence of W. T. Baird. 

C. C. Anderson began in the planing mill business in Kirksville 



Industries. 297 

about 1890. He sliortly disposed of this business but started up again 
in 1895 and continued in it until his death in 1909. His most notable 
eonstruetions in KirksviU(> are the Court House and Dr. A. T. Still's 
residence. 

W. S. ]\Iur])hy be<>;an in the planing mill business in 1895, and has 
in the sixteen years since then built a great many private dwellings 
in the county. 

For several years the town maintained a wagon factory and a 
handle factory. Grassle Brothers started a wagon factory in 1887, 
which was maintained by one firm or another until about 1909. The 
handle factory was started by Mr. Storm about 1893 and was main- 
tained for about ten years. No efforts have been made to revive these 
factories since their suspension. 

A foundry and machine shop has been one of the industries of 
Kirksville for years. lioomis's foundry was in operation in 1886. In 
recent years Mr. Sherwood has maintained one. 

The manufacture of building brick has been carried on by several 
different parties at different times in and around Kirksville. In 1907 
J. M. I vie & Son made an effort to organize a company to make paving 
brick on their land just west of town. In 1908 the Adair Brick & Coal 
Company w^as organized, and the land and machinery of Ivie & Son 
were temporarily leased. One kiln of paving brick was burnt with ex- 
cellent results. The company plans to conduct the business on a large 
scale as soon as a switch can be laid out to the plant. 

The largest manufacturing establishment in the county is the shoe 
factory of the Friedman-Shelby Shoe Company of St. Louis. This 
is one of the several branch factories which this company has in dif- 
ferent parts of the state. 

Early in April, 1907, the Business Men's League of Kirksville re- 
ceived an inquiry from this company as to whether the town would be 
interested in raising a bonus to secure a shoe factory. The league 
sent a committee composed of Dr. H. M. Still and J. E. Goodwin to 
St. Louis to investigate the matter and an executive committee of twelve 
was appointed to act upon the report of the other committee and carry 
out the matter if the proposition should be accepted. 

The investigating committee reported that the company wanted 
a bonus of $60,000, a free site for the factory, and free water for five 
years. They proposed to erect a brick building 60x300, four stories 



298 History of Adair County. 

high, and to ('m])loy 300 hands at the start with an output of 1800 pairs 
of shoes per (Ui\> and to increase the force later to 600 hands and the 
output to 4000 pairs per day; they further proposed to bring not over 
25 per cent of their employes with them and to secure the rest from 
Kirksville and nearby towns. 

Many diverse views were expressed regarding the proposition, 
but it was finally decided to accept it. F. J. Grassle was made Presi- 
dent of the executive committee, and while the credit for the success 
of the scheme belongs to a score or more of men, no small {)art of that 
credit belongs to him. 

It was decided to get options on different tracts of land and to 
raise $80,000 in subscriptions. Of this amount $60,000 was to go to 
the company and the rest was to be put into the site and tracts of land 
adjoining the site. These tracts of land were to be divided into 350 or 
400 different lots and every one who subscribed $200 was to get one of 
these lots in return for his subscription. The site was donated by Dr. 
H. M. Still and Will Reid, and the land adjoining it on both sides of 
the Wabash railroad was bought from different parties. This ground 
was platted into town lots, and committees were appointed to sell the 
lots. By strenuous efforts by way of personal solicitations and public 
meetings, the amount was finally raised. In order that the company 
might be guaranteed the prompt payment of the amounts subscribed, 
one hundred citizens signed a guaranty for the entire amount. The 
executive committee was authorized to act as the board of trustees 
for the subscribers to the fund. C. S. Sands was made President of 
this board, and F. J. Grassle, Secretary. 

The contract between the trustees for the subscribers and the shoe 
company was signed May 7, 1907, and as soon as the word was brought 
back the next day from St. Louis by the committee that it had been 
signed, preparations were made for a big celebration that evening in 
honor of the event. A big bonfire was built on the southeast corner of 
the square. Noise was furnished by all the steam whistles of the city, 
the firing of anvils and giant fire crackers. The band added to the 
occasion with several lively selections. 

On January 9, 1908, the subscribers drew for their lots to which 
they were entitled. The lot numbers were ])ut in one box and the names 
of the subscribers in another, and each subscriber got the lot which was 
drawn at the same time his name was called. There was one prize 
lot, the one on which were a house and })arn. This fell to D. C. Rat- 
liff, J. F. Waddill, H. M. Adams, and Reese Frankum, who had com- 
bined to subscribe for one lot. 



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300 History of Adair County. 

The contract for the building was let to Hanlin & Garner of Hannibal 
for $53,820 on July 11, 1907. The building was completed in April, 
1908, and operations were begun on a small scale early in May. 

The factory employs 300 people, to whom are i)aid $2,500 a week 
in wages. The daily output is 1200 pairs of shoes. Men's boys' and 
youths' medium priced welt shoes constitute the class of goods man- 
ufactured. The factory here is one of several factories owned by this 
firm in the state. 

The manufacture of railroad ties was for a long time one of the 
important industries of the county. Most of the timber of the western 
part of the county was cut down and made into railroad ties. Oak, 
walnut, sycamore, locust, cherry, and mulberry trees were used. In 
fact, whole sections were denuded of trees, much to the detriment of 
the land. This industry dates back into the seventies, but it was at 
its height from about 1885 to 1900. Novinger, especially after the 
extension of the O. K. railroad from Kirksville to that place, and Troy 
Mills were important tie stations. Millions of ties were made and 
shipped out of the county. They were used by the "O. K." railroad 
in its extension from Kirksville westward, by the Chicago, Milwaukee 
and St. Paul when it was built from Kansas City to Chicago, and by 
many other railroads. Many different men and firms engaged in the 
business. Among them were McDaniels & Bancroft, Pickler & Crebs, 
Aaron Kinyon, Wm. Van Cleave, John L. Porter, and P. C. Mills. 

Section III. — Coal Mining. 

The industry of the county which gives it high rank among the 
counties of the state is the coal industry. Because of its importance 
it is well to give it some considerable attention. 

Just when coal began to be mined in the county, is impossible to 
say. Owing to the fact that in the northwestern part of the county 
the coal veins crop out on the hillsides, and hence more an easily accessible, 
it may be that some mining was done in a desultory way prior to 1850. 
But the sparsity of population, the great difficulties of transportation, 
and the cheapness of wood fuel made the demand for coal, however 
easily it might be gotten out, very light. The earliest instance of coal 
digging in the county that has come to the knowledge of the author 
is that by J. W. Madden, who worked a strij) pit near Nineveh in 1854, 
and who operated the Beeman bank near Stahl in 1858. 

Until the Q. M. & P. railroad was extended west from Kirksville, 



Industries. 301 

where) )y the coal fields of the county were penetrated, whatever coal 
was produced in the county was used in home consumi)tion only. The 
(Extension of the railroad west of Kirksville in 1878 marked the begin- 
ning of the use of coal by the railroads that run through the county. 
In that year coal l)egan to be shipped to markets outside the county. 
In the Qunicy Herald during the latter j^art of November, 1878, it was 
announced that the first train load of coal from the Adair County mines 
had recently arrived over the Q. M. & P. Railroad, and that a train 
load would be received every day. But the eastern market did not 
prove as good a one as it was hoped it would be, because of the heavy 
competition with the coal mines in Illinois. It would probably be not 
far from the truth to say that not until 1897, when the Q. M. & P. R. R. 
was extended from Trenton to Kansas CUty and also made direct con- 
nections with Omaha, over one-half of the entire output of the mines 
of the county was used in the county by railroads or the local trade. 

The coal fields of the county lie for the most part in the western 
and northwestern parts of the county. The chief centers are Stahl, 
Novinger, C'onnelsville, and Kirksville. C-ounting the small mines 
operated by individuals and scattered throughout the coal fields, as 
well as the large mines operated l)y firms of large resources, there are 
at least twenty-five mines in the county. 

The annual reports of the State Mine Inspector, which began in 
1887 and continue down to the present, give a great deal of informa- 
tion concerning the coal industry of the state by counties. From these 
have been compiled the statistical tables which are included in this 
section. While it may be possible that the Inspector in his trips through 
the coal counties has not always inspected the little mines and those 
in out of way places, yet it is more than likely that he has inspected 
every year all the larger mines, and his statistics concerning them will 
be fairly indicative of the actual state of the industry. 

The fact that there is no mention made of the coal industry in 
Adair County in the first annual report of the State Mine Inspector 
in 1887 would seem to indicate that he had not l)een able to get around 
to this county, or that notwithstanding the beginning that had been 
made to develop the industry commercially it was not yet great enough 
to attract his attention. In the second annual report, the one for 1888, 
mention is made of only two mines which had an output of only 8,000 
tons, and the county was ranked sixteenth in the state with only one 
county producing less than it did. In 1889 the output was doubled, 
but no further marked increase occurs until 1893. In that year thou- 
sands of acres of coal lands were bought or leased by those who felt 



302 History of Adair County. 

that there was room for a more extended development of the industry, 
and the prediction was made by the State Inspector in his report for 
1894 that Achiir County w^ould soon ])ecome one of the large coal pro- 
ducing coimti{>s of the state. The output had been raised in 1893 to 
20,957 tons, l:)ut the county still ranked only sixteenth in the state, 
and no marked increase in the_^ output occurred until 1898. In that 
year it reached 62,215 tons and the county ranked eleventh in the state. 
The extension of the 0. K. railroad from Trenton to Kansas City and 
Omaha in 1897, as has already been remarked, contributed consider- 
ably to this increase, inasmuch as there were opened up new markets 
which raised the demand for more coal. 

The years 1899 and 1900 showed a still greater output than the 
year 1898, but it was not until 1901 that the county began to take rank 
among the great coal producing counties of the state. In that year 
the output from fourteen mines was 347,047 tons, and the county ad- 
vanced to fourth rank. 

The great growth of the coal industry of the county which marked 
the year 1901 is due in part at least, to the interest which certain Chi- 
cago capitalists and railroad magnates took in the coal fields of the 
county. These men felt that the coal fields of the Chariton River val- 
ley had not been worked as fully as they might be. Their plan was to 
organize a large coal mining company to operate along the Chariton 
River north of Novinger and near Nineveh, and to build a railroad 
which should run along the river and thus afTord adequate transpor- 
tation faciUties for the coal mined in this river valley. 

Before their plans could be put fully into operation, a railroad com- 
pany had been formed by H. F. Reddig and others, and a railroad begun 
extending northward from Novinger. This was the Iowa and St. Louis 
Railroad, a full account of which will be given in the next chapter. 
These Chicago capitalists took over the railroad which had just begun 
to be built and made Reddig president of it. They also made him pres- 
ident of the Manufacturers' Coal and Coke Company which secured 
control over 50,000 acres of land in the neighborhood of Connelsville. 
He remained in these two positions only a little over a year. This new 
railroad, which was soon extended north to Centerville, Iowa, and south 
to l^^lmer, ]\Io., undoubtedly helped to increase the output of 
coal in the county. Up to the time when it was l)uilt. the railroads 
which operated through the Chariton River coal fields either skirted it 
or crossed it at right angles, and the mines operated on a large scale 
had b('(Mi confined to certain centers. But this n(>w railroad running 
along the river and connectin"; with two other roads ruiming east and 



Industries. 303 

west, iiiadp it possililo to open up fields that had ii(M-etofore been im- 
possil)lc to operate because of the lack of transportation facilities. 

Besides the Manufaeturcn-s' Coal and Coke Coni])any, several other 
companies were organized between 1901 and 1903, some of them having 
large capitalization. Among them were the Kansas City Midland, 
the Great Northern Fuel Company, Chariton Coal Company, and 
Kirksville Coal and Construction Company. These new companies 
immediately raised the output to about double what it had been before. 

The year 1902 showed a slight decrease in the output in the county 
as compared with the preceding year, but the years 1903 to 1905 were 
characterized by large increases. The banner year was 1905, in which 
there were mined from the twenty-two mines 708,388 tons. The county 
took second rank in the state, Macon County ranking first. 

The banner year was followed by one in which the out]:»ut dropped 
to almost one-half of what it had been the year before. This was due 
to the suspension of all work for about three months. This prolonged 
suspension was due to the inability of operators and miners to agree 
upon a new contract for the coming biennial period. Whenever the 
biennial contracts expire all work is suspended by the miners until new 
contracts are made; if there is no difficulty the suspension does not 
last long; if there is difficulty the suspension is prolonged. In 1906 
the difficulty was unusually great and hence many months passed before 
the l)iennial contracts were agreed upon. This prolonged suspension, 
which amounted to almost six months, and the failure of several oper- 
ators to renew work during the year at all, cut down the output of the 
Adair County mines so that it amounted to only 428,057 tons in that 
year, whereas it had been, as it has already been seen, 708,388 tons in 
the year before. 

During the years 1907, 1908 and 1909 the output was greater than 
it had been in 1906, and at the end of the year 1909 the county stood 
third in the state in the production of coal, but the output was yet 
nearly 150,000 tons less than it had been in the banner year. It is 
confidently asserted by men who are in the coal business in the county 
that the day is not far distant when the county will rank first. 

Statistics are not yet available for 1910, but when they come out 
it will show a much smaller production for that year than for many 
years previous, as will likely be the case for all other coal producing 
counties. The biennial suspension in 1910 was six months long, last- 
ing from April until October. Moreover, disaster overtook the Great 
Northern Fuel Company, and it suspended operations late in Novem- 



304 



History of Adair County. 



ber. So the output for 1910 will prove to be far short of what the mines 
of the county have been accustomed to produce. 

In order that the growth of the industry may be readily grasped, 
the following table showing the output by years and the rank of the 
county in the state in the production of coal, is presented: 



Year. 

1888 

1889 

1890 

1891 

1892 

1893 

1894 

1895 

1896 

1897 

1898 

1899 

1900 

1900 (last six months) . . . 

1901 

1902 

1903 

1904 

1905 

190G 

1907 

1908 

1909 



Output of Coal 
IN Tons. 
000 



16 

14 

17 

14 

20 

20 

24 

23 

27 

62 

104 

181 

52 

347 

512 

516 

658 

708 

428 

584 

568 

564 



522 

840 
110 
820 
957 
744 
540 
510 
078 
215 
868 
577 
990 
047 
403 
267 
558 
388 
037 
371 
446 
328 



Rank of County in 
Coal Production. 
16 
13 
15 
15 
17 
16 
15 
13 
13 
13 
11 

8 

7 

9 

4 

5 

4 

3 

2 

3 

3 

3 

3 



Prior to 1900, the fiscal year ended June 30. In 1900 it was changed 
to December 31. Hence the two entries for 1900 in this table. 

The coal fields of the country, as has been said, lie for the most 
part, in the western and northwestern parts of the country. As far as 
is known no coal has been discovered east of a line drawn north and 
south through Kirksville, though there were newspaper rumors in 
1886 of coal having been discovered near Brashear. 

Ther(> are at least three veins of coal deposit in the county. The 
first one crops out in the hills in and around Stahl, and seems to be con- 
fined to that jiart of the county altogether. The second vein extends 
pretty generally throughout the coal fields of the county, and is found 



306 History of Adair County. 

at a depth varying from fifty to seventj'-five feet. The third vein under- 
lies the second at a depth of about 150 feet, and has been found at Stahl, 
Connelsville, Novinger, and perhaps at other places. 

These veins vary in thickness from 24 to 44 inches. All three of 
them are found at Stahl. The first is 42 inches thick, the second 32 
inches, and the third 24 inches. An effort was made to work out the 
second vein, but it was not thick enough to be profitable. The third 
has never been worked. At Novinger and Connelsville the mines are 
working the second vein, but it is fully 42 inches thick and sometimes a 
little thicker, being therefore from ten to twelve inches thicker than 
the sume vein at Stahl. The Kirksville mines are working this same 
vein. As yet the third has not been operated, as it is too far below the 
surface and is not thick enough to pay. 

In 1908 there were, according to the State Mine Inspector, sixteen 
mines in operation, of which ten were shaft, four were slope and two were 
drift mines. There are more slope and drift mines at Stahl than at 
any other place in the county. After having dug far back into the hills, 
the operators at Stahl constructed shafts on the brows of the hills over 
the place of operation, l)ut it was found cheaper to haul the coal out 
of the original openings on the hillsides than to lift it to the top of the 
shaft, so the shafts were abandoned. 

Most of the mines are constructed on the pillar and room plan, 
there being in 1908 fourteen mines of that type and only three of the 
long wall plan. 

Prior to 1907 mining was done in all the mines of the county by 
hand, but in that year the mines at Stahl installed mining machines. 
The Manufacturers' Coke and Coal Company installed machinerj' in 
1900, but the miners objected to it, so it was never put into operation. 
In 1910 the Rombauer Company installed machinery also, so that at 
present there are only two mines in which the work of mining is done 
by machinery. 

The following table compiled from the Reports of the State Mine 
Inspector regarding the condition of the mines in the county may be 
of interest: 



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308 History of Adair County. 

The coal industry of the county has given rise to several towns 
and increased the size of others. Stahl, Novinger and Connelsville 
owe their existence to the fact that under and around them lie great 
beds of coal which have been' operated to a great extent. Novinger is 
the most striking example of rapid growth through the coal industry. 
Ten years ago it was a struggling little village of a dozen houses or so, 
but it has become a town of 2,000 population and has just l)egun its 
growth. It is asserted that more coal is loaded on the cars of the 0. K. 
railroad at Novinger than at all points put together on that road, in- 
cluding Quincy and Kansas City. Connelsville grew wonderfully for 
a few years after the I. & St. L. road w'as built to it, and it may continue 
to grow. The opening of the Star Coal Company mine in the recently 
discovered vein west of Kirksville has contributed something to the 
wealth and growth of that place. 

Before closing this chapter it will l^e well to say something con- 
cerning the men who have expended their money in the development 
of this industry in the county. A great number of different individuals 
and companies have at different times operated mines. At first it 
seems that the operations were carried on by individuals, and it does 
not appear that companies representing large capital were organized 
until long after coal began to l)e mined for commercial purposes. 

Among the individuals who operated different mines in the seven- 
ties were Messrs. Stout, Porter, Besanko, and Godfrey. The first 
three named worked mines on Hazel Creek, an eastern tributary of 
the Chariton; the last had a mine west of the Chariton. Mr. .John L. 
Porter was probably more extensively engaged in coal mining than any 
other one person in the county prior to 1890. In 1880 S. F. Stahl be- 
gan to operate a mine at Stahl. For years coal had been mined in that 
vicinitj', but it could not be mined on a large scale until the railroad was 
built through. This was done in 1878, antl in 1880 Mr. Stahl laid out 
the town which Ix'ars his name and began to get out coal for shipment 
in car load lots. He continued for two or tlu'ee years when he sold out 
to S. M. Pickler. At the same time Mr. Stahl was running at Stahl, 
J. B. Novinger was engaged in the same l)usiness near him. 

Meanwhile, a mine was opened at Danforth by Kinyon, Moore 
and Dunn. Novinger & Company found some veins on Spring Creek 
in 1854. 

The first comi)any representing considerable capital was the Penn- 
sylvania Coal C(jmpany, which was composed of John Whitehead & 
Sons of Pennsylvania. This company i)urchased the mines at Stahl 
and Danforth in 1887, and operated them both. Mr. H. C. McCahan 



Industries. 309 

Avus early connected with this company and in 1889 became sole pro- 
prietor. The name of the company has been changed several times, 
but with the exception of a very short time, Mr. McCahan has had some 
connection with it. The style of the company at present is the Stahl 
Coal Company. The company abandoned the mines at Danforth 
about 1895 on account of the great amount of water. 

Mining at Novinger began with the effort made by IVlr. John L. 
Porter to open up a mine on what is now Front street in that town in 
1883. The project was abandoned very shortly after it was started. 
Nothing further seems to have been done at this place until the 0. K. 
Mining Company was organized about 1890. This company was com- 
posed of I. F. Stroup, Noah Stroup, B. Stroup, Evans, and Radky. 
These men opened up the mine known afterwards as Rombauer No. 1. 
In 1897 they sold out to the Rombauer Coal Company, of which 
Major R. G. Roml)auer was President. This company was the first of 
the big companies that have operated at Novinger; it has opened up 
in all four mines, one of them having been exhausted, iiowever, some 
years ago. 

The other big companies at Novinger are the Kansas City Mid- 
laud Company, the IVIanufacturers' Coke and Coal Company, and the 
Great Northern Fuel Company. 

As far as is known, there ha"v'e i)een no serious clashes between 
operators and miners. There have been the biennial suspensions of 
lal)or for some time, but no violence has been offered by either party. 
In June, 1894, when a big strike was on, about eighty miners came from 
IMendota, Iowa, to Stahl to persuade the Stahl miners to strike. They 
do not seem to have succeeded, as the Stahl miners had no grievance 
and did not care to strike. 

Section IV. — County Fairs. 

As far as is known, the county had no fair organization until after 
the war. A law was passed l)y the State Legislature on March 15, 
1861, incorporating the Adair County Agricultural and IVIechanical 
Association, but the w^ar prevented this association from ever doing 
anything, until 1866. In that year the Legislature amended the act of 
1861, and a fair was held that fall. The grounds lay a quarter of a mile 
southwest of the town. Fairs were held annually each fall until 1882 
or 1883, when they were discontinued. Complaint had been made in 
1880 in the newspapers, of the lack of facilities and the indifference of 
the management as to the matter. Special efforts were made in 1883 



310 History of Adair County. 

to prevent the cli,s])an(linent of the organization, but sufficient financial 
support could not be secured. The business of the association was there- 
fore wound up and the grounds sold in November, 1883. 

For a few years the county was without a fair, and no one seemed to 
think it worth while organizing one. In 1886, however, a special ef- 
fort was made towards getting a new fair association started, but thej^ 
were not successful. However, in 1889, the Adair County Fair Asso- 
ciation had been organized, and its first fair was held in the fall of that 
year. This association continued to hold annual fairs for about five or 
six years whereupon they were discontinued. 

The fairs were like the ordinary county fairs. Agricultural and 
stock exhibits, floral hall exhibits, racing, and the usual side-show amuse- 
ments made up the features which furnished diversion for the crowds 
that attended. 

A movement is now on foot to revive the county fair. It has arisen 
from the success which attended a stock and corn show held in Kirks- 
ville in September, 1910. The plan is to make the fair a strictly live 
stock and agricultural exhibition and not a race meet nor a series of 
side-shows. The capital stock \vill be $50,000, and no one person will 
be allowed more than ten shares at $10 each. The principal officers 
are H. C. McCahan, President; S. J. Miller, Vice-President; H. Bam- 
barg, Secretary; John Propst, Treasurer; W. A. Lewis, Superintendent. 
It is planned to hold the first fair in the fall of 1911. 



CHAPTER XV. 
TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES. 

Section I. — Stages, Ferries and Bridges. 

Prior to the building of railroads transportation to this county was 
by horseback or by wagon. The Chariton does not seem to have been 
made use of for such purposes. Freight was handled by wagon from 
Quincy, Hannil^al, Canton, Macon, and Huntsville. There are many 
houses still standing in Kirksville which were built with lumber which 
had been hauled in wagons from one or the other of the above mentionetl 
places. The transportation of passengers and the carrying of mails 
was by stage coaches. The stage coach of "modern style" does not seem 
to have come into use until near the close of the war. Prior to that 
time the vehicles were usually very indifferent affairs. 

Owing to the fact that all transportation was by stage coach or on 
horseback, it was desirable that connections be made between lines 
operating l^etween different points. In the early days of this county 
Bloomington, Macon County, was a kind of central terminus for many 
stage lines. Coaches would arrive there from St. Joseph, Hannibal, 
Kirksville, Paris, and (ilasgow, so that people found frecjuently that the 
most convenient thing to do to reach certain destinations was to go 
via Bloomington. There were lively times, it has been said, at this 
stage coach center when all the coaches were in from their various 
places of departure. 

After the modern style of coach Ijegan to be used out of Kirksville, 
special negotiations regarding connections seem to have been carried 
on between the men operating out of Kirksville and those operating 
out of other places. By February, 1866, we told, Chappel and Smith's 
coaches which ran out of Kirksville, were able to make good connection 
with Owens, Ransom & Company's coaches at other places. 

Stage lines ran out in all directions from Kirksville. In 1850 we 
hear of a mail route from Kirksville to Sand Hill, twenty-five miles away, 
and another to Lancaster, same distance, and in 1868 a stage line was 
operating between Kirksville and Atlanta. The building of the North 
^lissouri Railroad, the present Wabash, through to Kirksville in 1868, 
made the stage lines ojjerating north and south out of Kirksville un- 
necessary. But until the Q. M. & P. R. R. (the present 0. K.) was 



312 History of Adair Counts. 

])uih in 1S71, tlic stage lines running east and west were very import- 
ant means of communication. Memphis, Edina, and Milan were reached 
by separate stage lines. Some of the schedules as jjublished in the pa- 
pers in 1870 are very interesting. For example, the stage operating 
between Kirksville and Memphis was advertised to leave Kirksville 
on Mondays and Fridays at seven o'clock and to leave Memphis on 
Tuesda.ys and Saturdays at the same hour. The one l^etween Kirks- 
ville and Edina was operated so that trips were made via Paulville 
each way daily. This was something unusual. 

At Edina connections were made with coaches going to Canton. 
The line running between Kirksville and Milan alternated trips between 
the two places. The stage left Kirks\'ille on Mondays, Wednesdays 
and Fridays at seven a. m., and reached Milan via Nineveh, Siting 
Valley, Greencastle and Kiddville Ijy seven that evening. On Tues- 
days, Thursdays and Saturdays the return trips were made. The fare 
to Greencastle was S2: round trip, $3. The fare to IXIilan was S3; 
round trip, $5. 

In the early days the means of transportation across streams were 
oftentimes very meagre. At first fords were the only means available, 
and naturally the first roads connecting distant points were run so as to 
pass through these fords. In the course of time bridges were built, 
but they were generally few and far between and not very substantial. 
The first bridge to be authorized by the county court was that over 
Shoal Creek in the sununer of 1843. The settlers in that vicinity suId- 
scril)ed $181, while the county expended the inunense sum of $17. 

For a long time private ferries were licensed and a schedule of rates 
authorized by the county court. For example, on Aug. 14, 1844 the 
Adair County court issued a license to D. A. Ely to maintain for twelve 
months a ferry across the Chariton and authorized the following rates: 

(3ne four horse or ox wagon 75 cents. 

One two horse wagon 50 cents. 

One one horse "charriage" or Dearborn 25 cents. 

One man or horse 12 1-2 cents. 

One foot man 6 1-4 cents. 

One led horse G 1-4 cents. 

One sheep or hog 1 cent. 

One cow 3 cents. 

The extant records show man>- licenses such as this during the 
forties and early fifties. 

Sometimes private bridges were licensed. On March 4, 1857 an 
act was apjiroved incorjiorating the Chariton River Bridge Company 



TransportatioxN Facilities. 313 

and authorizing it to build a bridge cross the Chariton. The tolls 
which it might levy were prescril^ed as follows: Horse and rider, 10 
cents; footman, 5 cents; single horse, mule, jack or jennet, 5 cents; 
work ox, 2 cents; each head of other stock, 1 cent. No bridge or ferry 
was allowed to be l)uilt or operated within two miles of the bridge this 
company should erect. It is not known just when the company built 
its bridge, but it is evident it did not build it in Adair County. 

Up to 1869 no l:iridge had been put across the Chariton in this county. 
This became a matter of interest to the business men of Kirksville and 
bridge meetings were arranged for, at which persons interested could 
express themselves as to what should be done. The Journal for July 
18, 1868 speaks of one bridge meeting as having gone by default be- 
cause of lack of attendance. The matter was not dropped, however, 
and by December, 1869, the first Chariton bridge in the county was 
erected. The contract had been let in August for a truss bridge, 260 
feet long with a main truss of 130 feet, at a cost of over $4,000. This 
appears to have been a free bridge. 

Section II. — Railroads. 

The Wabash Railroad. — The North Missouri Railroad was in- 
corporated on March 3, 1851. According to the original charter the 
road was to be built along the dividing ridge between the Missouri and 
Mississippi Rivers from St. Charles to the Iowa line. The incorporators 
were residents of the counties through which the proposed road was to 
run. In 1852 the charter was amended so as to allow the road to be 
extended to St. Louis. In 1853 the legislature extended the credit of 
the state to the amount of $2,000,000 to this com])any in order to ex- 
pedite the construction of the road. 

A survey was made in due time and the Board of Directors at the 
meeting in St. Louis early in 1854 accepted the route that had been sur- 
veyed through St. Charles, Warren, Montgomery, Audrain, Monroe, 
Macon, Adair, and Schuyler Counties. By 1855 the road had been 
completed from St. Louis to Warrenton, and haste in completing it 
to the Iowa Hne was urged so that the Iowa trade might be saved to St. 
Louis. By 1858 the road was completed to Mexico, and by February, 
1859, it reached Macon, where connections were made with the Han- 
nibal and St. Joe Railroad. According to the charter ferriage across 
the river was necessary at St. Charles. It was not until after the war 
that a bridge was built at this point. 

The counties along the proposed route were asked to make su))scnp- 



314 History of Adair County. 

tions to the capital stock of the company, and all of them voted bonds 
lil)erally except Macon County. In 1856 or 1857 the Alacon County 
court submitted a proposition to the people to subscribe to the capital 
stock, but it was voted down. ^J'he same thing was repeated in 1858. 

In Adair County the history of the North Missouri bonds is a 
rather complicated one. The first action taken by the county court 
seems to have l)een in 1853, when that body ordered that a proposition 
to take stock in the North Missouri Railroad Company should be sub- 
mitted to the ]ieople in May of that year. Evidently the proposition 
did not carry, as the same thing was submitted again in August, 1854. 
It evidently carried when submitted this last time, for in November of 
that year the county court appointed William P. Linder as the agent 
of the county to subscribe $25,000 capital stock, providing the road was 
built to the Iowa line. In the following December the county court 
authorized Linder to sell 25,000 acres of swamp land for 250 shares 
in the capital stock of this railroad. By this it seems that the county 
had made in all subscriptions amounting to $50,000. 

It appears that the county court was subsequently displeased 
with the way in which Linder conducted the business he was appointed 
to transact. At the June term of 1855 he was called upon to give "a 
full report under oath of his doings in regard to the said road, what pay 
if any he had received of said company or its agent for having secured 
the stock thus subscribed by the county," and also to state "at what 
time and what amount the county was liable to be called upon for." 
He appeared to answer to this summons at this same term, but his re- 
port was rejected because it was not under oath and was not satisfac- 
tory. He was thereupon dismissed and the County Clerk was instruct- 
ed to find out directly from the railroad what had been done. 

It seems that Mr. Linder had unconditionally subscribed the full 
amount ordered by the court. According to the records W. H. Parcells 
took up the matter with the railroad directors himself, and though he 
had no authority to act for the county, he got them to agree not to call 
for the subscrijition of the county until the railroad was put under con- 
tract north of the Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad. At the March, 1856, 
term of court the arrangements made by Parcells were ratified as though 
he had been the regularly appointed agent of the county. He had 
meanwhile l)een appointed in February, 1856, to act as the agent of the 
county in the next regular election of officers of the directory of this 
railroad. 

In October, 1856, the count>- coui't appointed a committee com- 
posed of one man from each township in the coimty to circulate a pe- 



Transpoktation Facilities. 315 

tition among the people to ascertain whether it should subscribe $50,000 
additional stock to the North Missouri Railroad. Later it was ordered 
that such a proposition should be submitted to the people in May, 
1857, on condition that the bonds should not be issued until the work 
was connnenced in the county. At the same time another proposi- 
tion to subscribe $100,000 in the stock of the Keokuk Railroad was sub- 
mitted. It seems that both proposition were defeated at the polls. 

In 1859 the countj^ began to fulfil its obligations to this railroad, 
though at that time the road had not been built any farther than Macon. 
Perhaps the county court thought it would be encouraging to the com- 
pany to hurry on with its work if part at least of the bonds should be 
issued. In that year the county court paid over to the company $500 
cash and $14,500 six per cent bonds. Whatever may have been the 
expectations, they were not realized. The road was not extended north- 
ward from Macon for nearly ten years after Adair County had begun 
to meet its promises. The county therefore refused to issue the rest of 
the bonds. After the road was extended through the county and be- 
yond the state line, attempts were made to get the county court to issue 
the remaining bonds, but these efforts proved futile. It is not known 
whether the railroad got the 25,000 acres of swamp land which had been 
offered for 250 shares of capital stock. 

The breaking out of the war undoubtedly had much to do with 
delaying the completion of the road. Shortly after the Avar closed the 
task of completing the main line up to the low^a state line and the branch 
line to Kansas City was taken up and completed by 1868. Likewise 
the bridge across the Missouri at St. Charles was built at the same time. 

During 1867 the grading of the road had been finished up to Kirks- 
ville, and on July 4, 1868, the work of laying the track to Kirksville 
was completed. By December it Avas completed to the Iowa line. 

No event in the history of Kirksville had ever been looked forward 
to Avith so much interest as the ''advent of the iron horse." In the Kirks- 
ville Journal for July 2, it was announced that the road Avould be fin- 
ished by the "Fourth," and urged the people to be on hands in the fol- 
loAving words: "Railroads, Brass Bands, Tournaments, Horse 
Fair, Free Rides, ain't that enough for one day's amusement? Don't 
fail to be here." 

The completion of the road to Kirksville was celebrated by the 
railroad by Avay of an excursion from Macon to Kirksville on July 18, 
1868. According to the Macon Journal for July 23, the train left Macon 
at 9 :30 a. m. Avith the band on board playing "Hail Columbia. " All along 
the Avay people stood in their doorAvays Ava\ang greetings to the excur- 



316 History of Adair County. 

sionists. The train stoj^ped at each station to let the band phiy a tune. 
It took two hours to make the trip. At Kirksville the train was met 
by a great crowd and a band. The excursionists were escorted to a 
nearby grove, where some feUcitous speech making was indulged in. 
The day was exceedingly hot, but every one seemed to enjoy the occa- 
sion. The Kirksville people who gathered at the depot when the train 
got ready to leave, were tendered by Supt. Crane a free ride to Macon 
and return that evening. Many accepted the invitation, going down 
on the excursion and returning on the evening train from St. I.(Ouis two 
or three hours later. 

The trains according to the time tables of 1870 afforded fairly good 
service. There were two passenger trains each way each day besides 
a freight each way. The passenger trains going south left Kirksville 
at 12:45 p. m. and 8:00 p. m., and the trains going north at 11:05 a. m. 
and 8:00 p. m. But these accommodations were not permanent. In 
1874 there was only one passenger a day each way, and the St. Louis 
papers did not reach Kirksville vmtil the day after publication. It is 
not known how long these poor accommodations lasted, but it is known 
that b}^ 1882 at least the trains ran so that the St. I.,ouis papers were 
brought at a satisfactory hour. 

The name of the road was clianged in Fe])ruary, 1872, to St. Louis. 
Kansas City and Northern Railroad. It was subsequently acquired 
by the Wabash Railroad company, which had been buying up a numl^er 
of roads east and west of the Mississippi. In 1879 these various roads 
were consoUdated under the name of Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific R. R. 
Later the system passed into the hands of a receiver. On October 21, 
1889, it was sold to the present Wabash Company. In 1899 the Wabash 
system comprised 2,236 miles of road connecting St. Louis, Kansas City, 
Chicago, Detroit, Toledo and Buffalo. 

In July, 1894, there occurred one of the most extensive railroad 
strikes in the history of this country. It grew out of trouble between 
the Pullman Palace Car Company and its employees over the question 
of wages. The American Railway Union took up the causes of the 
Pullman employees, and in July, 1894, all railroads that handled the 
Pullman cars in the west were brought to a stand still for several days. 
The Wabash Railroad was one of the roads thus tied up. For days not 
a train passed over that road through Kirksville, and according to the 
Democrat for .Inly 6, 1894, rust covered the track and the depot had a 
holiday air. Many people in Kirksville vividly remember the incon- 
venience caused by this suspension of ti-ain service. 

The Wabash depot formerly stood on the west side of tlie track 



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318 History of Adair County, 

and a little to the south of the present depot. It was partially destroyed 
by fire on June 1, 1895. It had been partly burned down in April, 
1885, but had been repaired and made to do service for ten years more. 
The citizens met in a couple of days after the fire in 1895, and petitioned 
the railroad to build a new depot. The railroad responded favorably 
to this request and built a new frame depot on the site of the present 
depot. There was some agitation in favor of compelling the two roads 
to maintain a union depot at the junction, but it never amounted to 
anything. The new depot was occupied in November, 1895. This 
was burned to the ground on December 19, 1907, whereupon the rail- 
road built the present Ijrick depot. There was again a good deal of 
agitation in favor of a union depot, but it failed again. 

This company has twenty-four miles of track in the county. 

The "O. K." Railroad. — The North Missouri Railroad gave Kirks- 
ville easy connection with St. Louis and Kansas City and points south. 
But as yet connections with Quincy and Chicago were difficult. It 
was quite natural that a railroad running east and west through the 
county should be desired. From the time the county was first set- 
tled Quincy had been one of the important trading points for the people 
of this region. Both Kirksville and Quincy saw the advantage a rail- 
road would be in maintaining their long time connections. Kirksville 
seems to have taken the lead in the agitation. As early as 1867, before 
the North Missouri road was built to Kirksville, a railroad committee 
composed of fifteen of Adair County's prominent citizens, was at work. 

A railroad convention was held in Quincy in May, 1869, to which 
delegates came from various sections interested. It was resolved to do 
everything possible towards getting a road from Quincy to Kirksville. 
On June 24, 1869 a big railroad convention was held in Kirksville, which 
resulted in the organization of a company with a capital of $6,000,000. 

No time seems to have been lost in preparing for the work of con- 
struction. A preliminary survey had been made in 1868 for the Quincy 
and Missouri Railroad from Quincy to Newark and Edina in Knox 
County, and in October, 1869, the fine of the Quincy, Missouri and Pa- 
cific H. R. was surveyed to the Chariton River. Cround was broken 
west of (Juincy for the new road on February 23, 1870 and actual con- 
struction was begun. 

When it appeared that the road would be a reality, the people of 
Kirksville and Adair County redoubled their activity in the matter. 
The favorable attitude of the people towards the project is seen in the 
vote that was cast on March 29, 1870, on the ])roposition to sul)scribe 



Transportation Facilities. 319 

$100,000 in county bonds to the capital stock of the new railroad. The 
vote stood 760 for and only 237 aj2;ainst. In Benton township the vote 
was 438 for and only 9 against. The proposition carried with the fol- 
lowing conditions attached: $25,000 in bonds were to be issued when 
grading was completed from eastern line of county to Kirksville; $50,000 
when iron is laid from West Quincy to Kirksville; $25,000 when the 
grading is completed through the county. 

It was felt, however, that the prize was worth still greater effort. 
A meeting of Kirksville citizens was held in the office of De France & 
Hooper on December 14, 1870, to consider the advisabihty of additional 
subscriptions to the capital stock. C. A. Savage, President of the new 
road, made a speech telling what it was proposed to do. It was voted 
by this meeting that it would be advisable for Benton township to issue 
$40,000 in bonds which should be subscribed to the capital stock of the 
company. This proposition was put to a vote of the people of the town- 
ship in July, 1871, but it was defeated by a vote of 233 for and 241 against. 
Steps were taken, however, for an immediate resubmission, and on 
August 16 it was carried by a vote of 487 to HI. The outcome was 
very pleasing. Bonfires, music, and speeches were indulged in on the 
night of the election. 

Meanwhile, interest was quickened in Quincy. Influence had been 
brought to bear upon the Illinois legislature to pass a law to allow Quincy 
to issue city bonds to assist in the building of this railroad, but the 
Governor vetoed it. The legislature then passed a law over the Gov- 
ernor's veto in April, 1871, and Quincy proceeded to issue her bonds. 
The vote in Quincy on the bonds was 1,940 for and only 185 against. 
Adair County and Quincy were not the only communities that 
offered financial support. Practically every county along the proposed 
line from Quincy to Brownsville, Nebraska, made some sort of sub- 
scription, as the following list shows: 

City of Brownsville $ 60, 000 

Atchison County 150, 000 

Templeton Township (Atchison Co.) 20, 000 

Clay Township (Atchison Co.) 20, 000 

Gentry County 150, 000 

Harrison County 250, 000 

Sullivan County 200, 000 

Adair County 100, 000 

Benton Township (Adair Co.) 40, 000 

Centre Township (Knox Co.) 50, 000 

Jeddo Township (Lewis Co.) 20, 000 



320 History of Adair County. 

La Belle Township (Lewis Co.) 45, 000 

Highland Township (Lewis Co.) 25, 000 

Total $1,636,000 

The work of construction proceeded slowly. It was December, 
1871 before the road was finished to Lewiston. By January, 1872, it 
was completed to La Belle, and by March it was at Edina. 

Contracts were let for the grading, bridging and trestle work be- 
tween Edina and Kirksville in Octol)er, 1871, with the condition that 
the work should be completed by April, 1872. Iron was laid to Lew- 
iston by December, 1871, and iron was then on hand to complete the 
road to Echna. Work was pushed on the extension west from Edina 
after that point was reached, and it was completed on August 27, 
1872. 

The completion of the road to Kirksville was made the occasion 
for a demonstration. The last section of the track to be completed 
between Kirksville and Edina lay six miles east of town. At about 
three o'clock on the afternoon of August 27, President Savage took with 
liim ten or twelve prominent citizens of Kirksville on a conctruction 
train down to the place where the crews were at work. The work was 
completed at about seven o'clock that evening, and the two construc- 
tion trains and the special passenger train that had come from the east- 
ern end of the line pulled into Kirksville. Their arrival had been 
awaited by a crowd of 500 Kirksvillians, and as the last train pulled in cheer 
after cheer went u]i, and three salutes were fired by De Kemp's artillery. 

The railroad put in a turn table at Kirksville at once, and regular 
trains to and frt)m Quincy were inaugurated by the first week in Sep- 
tember. 

On October 1, 1872, the completion of the road was formally cel- 
ebrated by the company by way of a grand excursion from Kirksville 
and otiiei' jioints on the road to Quincy. Quincy made big prepara- 
tions for the event. The train was met at the depot by an immense 
crowd, and artillery salutes were fired as the train pulled into the sta- 
tion. The Mayor of Quincy welcomed the guests of the day, and Pres- 
ident Baldwin of the State Normal School of Kirksville, responded. 
The excursionists were invited to take carriages and they were taken 
over the city. The day was pleasantly spent and was long remembered 
by the people of Kirksville and Quincy alike. 

In December, 1872, the present frame depot was built at Kirks- 
ville, and it i)r()ves somewhat a shock to one's feeling to find that the 
newspapers of that time characterized it as a "handsome" building. 



Transportation Facilities. 321 

In these later days a term (luitc the opposite has been the one used in 
describing it. This depot has proved to be "fire-proof" so far, much to 
the regret of the citizens of Kirksville. The Wa])ash depot burned twice, 
and a better depot Avas acquired each time. The 0. K. depot won't 
burn and it remains practically the same. In 1895 theO. K. promised a 
new depot, and has frequently renewed the promise. In 1896 it pro- 
posed the erection of an immense depot reaching from Franklin to Elson 
streets, provided the latter street was closed up across its tracks, but this 
was dechned by the city council. 

After the road was completed to Kirksville special efforts were 
necessary to get another depot between Kirksville and the eastern line 
of the county. The history of these efforts is given in full in the chap- 
ter on Brashear. It is only necessary to note here that the people in 
the eastern part of Salt River township were exceedingly desirous of 
a depot, and they arranged to vote bonds upon themselves to the amount 
of $6,000, provided the road would build a depot in that part of the town- 
ship. It seems as though the proposition to issue bonds for this purpose 
had failed to carry in the whole township, so it was granted by the county 
court that the eastern and western halves of the township should vote 
on the question separately. On September 2, 1871, the eastern half 
of the township voted by a vote of 73 to 22 to issue $6,000 in bonds 
for a depot, tracks and switch. At the same time the western half 
refused to issue $12,000 in bonds for the same purpose l^y a vote of 2 
to 67. In January, 1873, the company had comphed with the propo- 
sition by way of opening up a depot at Brashear and drew the $6,000 
in bonds for East Salt River bonds. 

It was expected that the road would be extended west of Kirks- 
ville at once, but this expectation was long unfulfilled. By 1876 the 
road had been extended to the Chariton bottoms and much coal was 
thus taken to market. 

Quincy is largely responsible for the extension of the road from 
Kirksville to Trenton. In March, 18^7, a meeting of the prominent 
manufacturers of that place occurred, and it was resolved to urge the 
extension of the road to at least Trenton. In a few^ months, Quincy, 
through her town council, voted to issue $250,000 in bonds for the com- 
pletion of the road to Trenton. The U. S. Supreme Court decided 
Quincy could issue these bonds, and Quincy began to get them out. 
By August, 1878 the grading was completed to the Sullivan County 
line, and the laying of the track west of Kirksville had begun. In Oc- 
tober, 1878, the bridge over the Chariton River was completed and an 



322 History of Adair County. 

adequate test made. During 1879 the road was completed to Milan, 
and by August, 1881, it was extended to Trenton. 

The extension from Milan to Trenton was effected by the Wabash, 
St. Louis and Pacific R. R. Company, which had leased this road in 
1879 for a term of ninety-nine years. Trenton took an active interest 
in securing this extention l)y way of raising SoO,000 for that purpose. 

The passing of the Wabash system into the hands of a receiver 
during the eighties terminated the lease of the Q. M. & P. R. R., where- 
upon the stockholders foreclosed the mortgage and took possession and 
reorganized it early in 1888, under the name of the Quincy, Omaha and 
Kansas City R. R. From this time the road has been known as the 
"O. K.," or the Quincy Route, the latter being the official short name. 

In 1897 the road was extended from Trenton to Pattonsburg, con- 
necting there with the Omaha and St. Louis Railroad, which gave an 
extension to Omaha, and shortly after that the road was extended from 
Pattonsburg to Kansas City. The name was then changed to Omaha, 
Kansas City and Eastern. 

In recent years the road was acquired by the Burlington system, 
and has remained so up to the present. 

There are thirty-two miles of track belonging to this road in this 
comity. 

The Santa Fe Railroad. — The third railroad to be built through 
the county was the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe. This line orig- 
inally operated only in Kansas, having been projected from Atchison 
by way of Topeka to the Arkansas Valley. In 1874 it entered Kansas 
City over its own tracks, and by 1881 it was extended to El Paso. It 
soon began to plan for an extension from Kansas City to Chicago, and 
by April, 1888, completed the work. The survey brought the road 
through the southeastern part of Adair County, and citizens of Kirks- 
ville saw the advantage there would be in having it pass through this 
place. In Januarj', 1887, a citizens' meeting was called by Mayor 
B. W. Ross to considei- the advisability of making an effort to secure 
the ])uilding of the railroad through Kirksville. Subsequently a prop- 
osition was made to the company that if the road were built through 
Kirksville a liberal subsidy would bo offerinl, Init the com]nuiy declined 
owing to the fact that an effort was being made to make the line to 
Chicago as direct and short a one as possible, and to come to Kirksville 
would lengthen it more than was advisable. The original line as sur- 
veyed tlirougli the county was adhercHl to. A de])ot Avas established 



Transportation Facilities. 



323 



at Gibbs, which phice has become an important trading point for the 
southeastern part of the county. 

The Iowa and St. Louis Railroad. — The building of the fourth 
railroad in the county, the Iowa and St. Louis Railroad, is closely con- 
nected with the coal industry of the county. For years coal has been 
mined at various places along the Chariton River, but with the excep- 
tion of two or three places where the railroads crossed this river, the 
coal industry was not very extensively developed. It was all a ques- 




The Santa Fe Depot at Gibbs. 



tion of cheap and quick transportation. A mine located several miles 
from a railroad could not be operated on a large scale. ]\Iany men who 
knew how rich the coal fields were along the Chariton saw the oppor- 
tunity that lay awaiting some one who would construct a railroad up 
and down that river. All that was needed was the right man to take 
hold and push. 

In the early part of May, 1901, W. S. McCaull, then claim agent 
for the Q. 0. & K. C. R. R., while sitting at a country hotel in Adair 
County, overheard a conversation between a railroad official and a coal 
operator about the possibility of building a railroad from Centerville, 



324 History of Adair County. 

Iowa, down the Chariton. This matter appealed to Mr. McCaull im- 
mediately. He knew personally of the coal fields around Centerville 
and in Adair County. It occurred to him that he might try his hand 
at building a railroad. The next day he consulted with H. F. Reddig, 
then chief clerk to the General Manager of the 0. K. R. R., and H. H. 
Kendrick, then auditor for the same company. These three men there- 
upon organized a company, and on May 11, 1901, filed articles of in- 
corporation for the Iowa, St. Louis Railway Company. 

This company had an authorized capital stock of $50,000.00, and 
was organized to build a railroad five miles in length from a point on 
the O. K. C. & E. R. R., at or near Novinger, northward to Shibley's 
Point. The articles provided that when the capital stock should have 
been increased sufficiently the company would construct a railroad to 
Centerville, Iowa. H. F. Reddig was made President of the company; 
H. H. Kendrick, Secretary and Auditor; W. S. McCaull, Vice-Presi- 
dent and General Attorney. The combined credit of these three men 
was not enough to have enabled them to buy one mile of right of way, 
but they set to work to procure mining leases upon several thousand 
acres of good coal land, and managed to build a track of four or five miles 
north from a connection made with a mine track owned by the Kansas 
City Midland Coal Company, which was in time connected with the 
O. K. track at Novinger. 

Before the end of the first year of the corporate existence of the 
company, a Chicago syndicate composed chiefly of Gates, Lambert and 
Keefe, became interested in this project and bought the road. They 
reorganized the company, retaining Reddig as President and Kendrick 
as Secretary and Auditor. Plans were made for constructing a road 
from Des Moines to Macon, Mo., and later on from Macon to St. 
Louis. In a short time the track was laid fi*om Connelsville to Cen- 
terville. 

Meanwhile, a very l^itter controversy arose l)etween the (). K. and 
the I. & St. L. over the Kansas City Midland track, which connected the 
two roads. Some time in March, John W. Gates ordered Reddig to 
take possession of the Midland track. Thereupon Reddig proceeded to 
sj^ike all the switches leading from the O. K. main line to the Midland 
track. As soon as the general officials of the O. K. heard what was go- 
ing on, some of them proceedcMl in jx'rson to Novinger, and al)out five 
o'clock one morning, after having had the spikes drawn from the switches 
between the Midland and the ( ). K.,they passed with an engine and caboose 
down the Midland and the I. & St. L. tracks to Connelsville, where 
they took uj) three car loads of coal from a mine there and returned to 



Transportation Facilities. 325 

Novinger. They then duinixnl a heavy box-car across the I. & St. L. 
right of way, and tore up th(» connection between that road and the 
Midland track. It seems that such a trick had been anticipated and 
a watchman had been placed at the connection betwe(Mi the I. & St. L. 
and the Midland. But he grew tired during his watch and went off to 
sleep, and while he slept the officials passed and repassed on their trip 
to Connelsville. ?Iad he remained on duty he could have given the 
alarm and a force under the I. & St. L. could have torn up the track 
and bottled up an 0. K. engine and caboose with officials on board. 
Before the O. K. officials could finish the work of tearing up the connec- 
tions between the I. & St. L. and Midland tracks, the I. & St. L. officials 
had a force out to protect their property, but this force was not large 
enough to oppose effectively those working under orders from the 0. K. 
officials. Excitement ran high, but only one altercation was reported, 
and that was between a drunken miner and an O. K. section boss. Later 
in the day the I. & St. L. officials attempted to take up part of the Mid- 
land track, but the men who were doing the work were arrested and put 
under bond. The difficulty was settled in March, 1903, by the C. B. 
& Q. Ijuying all of the stock of the I. & St. L., and putting the manage- 
ment of the road in the hands of the 0. K. officials. 

The first work undertaken by the new management was the prac- 
tical rebuilding of the road. All train service between Novinger and 
Centerville was suspended until June, 1903, when regular train service 
Avas installed from Novinger to Sedan, Iowa. Later the seven miles 
of road from Sedan to Centerville were abandoned and the track taken 
up. During 1903 the road was extended from Novinger to Mercy ville 
(now Elmer), but has never been liuilt any farther, so that today the 
road extends from Sedan to Elmer. At Sedan connection is made with 
Keokuk and Western I^oad. Most of the right of way has been secured 
to ^lacon, and it is planned to build to this point some time soon. 

It has been said that the acquisition of this road by the C. B. & Q. 
has checked the development of the coal industry as it had been planned 
when the I. & St. L. was first inaugurated, owing to the interest of the 
C. B. & Q. in other coal fields. 

There are twenty-one miles of track belonging to the I. & St. L. 
in Adair County. 

Proposed Lines. — There has been a good deal of agitation in the 
past for a railroad passing through the county from the southeast to 
the northwest. Various lines under different names were projected, 
such as the Hannibal & Omaha R. R., St. Louis and Northwestern, or 



326 History of Adair County. 

St. Louis and Omaha R. R., Sioux City and St. Louis R. R. These 
railroad schemes were talked of between 1888 and 1892, and at times there 
was a good deal of excitement over what appeared to be good prospects 
over a short line from St. Louis to Omaha passing through Kirksville. 
In a special edition of the Democrat for March 29, 1888, a railroad map 
of the county Avas given in which not only the railroads in operation 
were shown, but also two new projected roads. Up to the present noth- 
ing has ever come of these schemes. 

For some years recently there has been some agitation in favor 
of trolley lines connecting Kirksville with towns in other counties. Among 
the routes proposed the one most talked about was to run from Hanni- 
bal to Kirksville. During the year 1910 the matter was talked of very 
extensively, but as yet nothing material has developed. 

Railroad Wrecks. — Railroad wrecks have been neither numerous 
nor disastrous in the county. So far as an examination of the newspapers 
has been carried only two wrecks have been discovered to have occurred 
in the county which were accompanied by loss of life. One was on the 
Wabash on January 16, 1883. The morning train going south was 
wrecked near Millard, resulting in the killing of Dr. F. M. Nickell and 
in the injury of a good number of people. The other was on the Santa 
Fe on August 12, 1894. Two vestibule passenger trains collided near 
Gibbs while going at full spped. The collision was due to one of the 
engineers failing to obey orders to stop at Gibbs. Two men were killed 
outright, an engineer and an express messenger, and eight injured, some 
very seriously. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

THE BANKS. 

There are ten banks in Adair County, four of which are in Kirks- 
ville, two in Brashear, two in Novinger, one at Connelsville, and one at 
Gibl^s. The first bank to be estabhshed in the county was the Kirks- 
ville Branch of the Bank of St. Louis. It was opened for business in 
Noveml)er, 1859. The second bank, the Kirksville Savings Bank, was 
estabhshed in 1873. The rest of the banks have been founded since 
1890. 

The banks of the county have proved to l^e soiuid financial insti- 
tutions. There has never been a bank faihn'e in the county. The 
panics that swept over the county in 1873 and 1893 passed oft" without 
any serious distress to the local banks. This was largely due to the 
confidence which the community had in the integrity of the bankers 
and the soundness of their institutions. 

The statements of the various banks of the county as published in 
the comity as the close of business on November 10, 1910, showed that 
the deposits amounted to $1,566,499.59. The deposits were distril)- 
uted among the banks as follows: 

Kirksville National Bank $ 363, 055 . 40 

Citizens National Bank 285, 239 . 74 

Kirksville Savings Bank 274, 477 . 29 

Kirksville Trust Company 190, 779.01 

Novinger Bank 113, 194 . 54 

Union Bank of Novinger 102, 548 . 25 

State Bank of Brashear •. 95, 569 . 84 

Adair County Miners Bank 58, 757 . 23 

Bank of Gibbs 45, 042 . 25 

Brashear Banking Co 37, 835 . 04 

Total $1,506,499.59 

Bank of St. Louis. — The first bank to be organized in Adair Coun- 
ty was, as has been said, the Kirksville Branch of the Bank of St. Louis. 
D. A. Ely, W. P. Linder, M. P. flannah, J. T. Smith, Isham B. Dodson, 
Waddy Thompson, B. G. Barrow, John Thomas, W. H. Parcells, T. C. 
Wilson, W. L. Patton, M. G. Clem, and others were interested in its 



328 



History of Adair County. 



organization. There were to be nine directors for this branch bank; 
five were to be elected by the stockholders and four appointed by the 
parent Bank of St. Louis. David A. Ely was elected President; W. P. 
Linder, Cashier; and C. R. Chinn, Clerk; W. T. Baird, clerk and jan- 
itor. 

The organization was effected on November 29, 1859. The bank 
was opened in a little old wooden building known as the Thomas build- 
ing, which stood on the southeast corner of the square, where the Baird 
bank building now stands. Some changes had to be made in this build- 
ing to adapt it to its new uses. The accompanying cut is from a pic- 
ture taken in 1859 before the bank was started. The changes made 
included some doors in the corner and the tearing away of the fence. 
The building was moved about 1869 to High street just south of the 




First Bank Building in Kihksvili.e. 
It stood on the site of the present Baird Bank Building and was the home of the 
Kirksville Brancli of tlie Bank of St. Louis 



jNI. E. Church, where it now stands. It has l;)ecn remodeled consider- 
abh', so that it now looks very litth' as it originally did. 

The capital stock of this bank was originally S50,000; later it 
was increased to $(31,000, and finally to $1(),()()(). For every dollar of 
capital paid up in gold and silv(>r, the bank was allowed to issue S2 in 
currency. That necessitated tlu^ keei)ing on hands a good deal of gold 



The Banks. 329 

and silver to redeem any of the l)ank's currency that might l)e presented 
over the counter. When the battle of Kirksville happened on August 
6, 1862, the bank had $78,000 in gold in its little old safe. As Col. 
Porter came into town that morning with his Confederate recruits, he 
warned the citizens of the danger they were in because of the impend- 
ing engagement, and they proceeded to flee to safety. Mr. Baird, who 
was then in charge of the bank, locked up the safe and the vault and, 
putting the keys in his pocket, fled with his family to a place about 
two miles from town. On returning the next day he found that the 
bank had not been molested, much to the relief of himself and those who 
were interested in it. 

It seems that when this branch bank was organized several of the 
stockholders had to borrow the money with which to purchase their 
stock. This they did from a bank at Palmyra. After the bank at 
Kirksville had gotten started these men then borrowed from their own 
bank and paid off their indebtedness to the Palmyra bank. Their 
notes were renewed several times with the accumulated interest added, 
so that in a short time they were getting big accommodations from their 
own bank. With the coming on of the war, gold advanced in price, 
so that a large sum of money was realized on the sale of what the bank 
was fortunate enough to have on hands. In all about $50,000 in coin 
was sold at different times. Moreover, there were several thousands 
of dollars of the bank's currency which were still outstanding and un- 
redeemed when the period of redemption expired, so that these unre- 
deemed bills proved a source of profit to the bank also. These things 
saved many of the stockholders from bankruptcy. 

In March, 1863, Mr. Baird was elected cashier in place of ]\Ir. 
Linder, who had left the county. On February 15, 1864, the State 
Legislature passed a law which authorized the winding up of the business 
of the branches of the Bank of St. Louis. The Kirksville branch was 
thereupon closed up in 1865. 

The Baird Bank. — In the same year that the Kirksville Branch 
of the Bank of St. Louis was liquidated, a new banking company com- 
posed of Porter & Stebbins was organized, with a capital stock of $5,000, 
and opened up for business with Mr. W. T. Baird as manager. Though 
there was no organic connection between this bank and the l^ranch 
bank, the one may in a way be considered as the successor of the other. 

In 1867 it was discovered that owing to the fact that Stebbins and 
Porter were non-residents of the state, they could not continue^ bank- 
ing business in the state because of some legal provisions regulating bank- 



330 



History of Adair County. 



ing. Thereupon Air. Baird got Mr. Samuel Reed to buy up the capital 
stock, and the name of the firm became Baird & Reed. On Septem- 
ber 2, 1868, ^Nlalone & Epperson of Macon bought out Mr. Reed, and 
for ten years the firm was known as the Exchange Bank of Baird, ]\Ia- 
lone & Company. Early in June, 1878, Mr. Baird f)ought out his 
partners, and the name of the bank now became Exchange Bank of 
W. T. Baird. 

In 1882 the bank was reorganized under the name of First National 
Bank with a capital stock of $50,000. Mr. Baird retained the controll- 




Mr. W. T. Baird 

(From a t'aniiliar photograjjli of about twoiity years ago.) 



ing interest in this institution and was made its cashier and manager. 
The other directors were Edwin Darrow, S. M. Link, John Caskey, 
and Joseph Baum. Edwin Darrow was elected President; S. M. 
Link, Vice-President; and W. T. Baird, Cashier. In 1883 Eldwin Dar- 
row was succeeded by S. M. Link, who continued to serve as President 
until his death in 1904. 

In 1894 the bank was changed from a national to a state institu- 
tion and took the name of First International Bank. In June, 1904, 
it changed back again to a national bank and went under the name of 
Baird National Bank. In February, 1900, the bank was sold to the 
Citizens Bank, mention of which will be made in that part of this 



332 History of Adair County. 

chapter dealing with that institution. This marked the passing of 
the oldest banking institution in the county. 

The Kirksville Branch Bank began business in 1859, it will be re- 
called, in a frame building on the site of the present Citizens Bank. 
Before this bank went out of business it had bought what was known as 
the Linder building which stood on the southeast corner of the square 
where the Myers Brothers' shoe store now is. The Porter & Stebbins 
bank bought the furniture of the branch bank, but occupied a building 
on the east side where the Thomas Jewelry Store now is. In 1870 the 
banking firm of Baird, Malone & Company erected a building of their 
own on the site of the building in which the branch bank had begun 
business, this old building having been removed the year before. This 
building was destroyed by the fire that swept most of the north side 
of the square out of existence on March 15, 1890. The bank, then known 
as the First National Bank, was able to get all of its money out of the 
safe before the building burned, and lousiness was resumed in the build- 
ing diagonally across the street from the present post office Ijuilding 
the next morning. By May 16 the bank was l)ack in the new building 
which was erected on the site of the one burned. This building is now 
(1911) occupied by the Citizens National Bank, but it is owned l)y 
W. T. Baird. 

On the night of February 26, 1895, an attempt was made by bur- 
glars to rob the International Ijank. One of the vaults was blown open 
and the safe wrecked; l^ut fortunately for the bank all the money ex- 
cept $2,000 in silver, was in another vault and safe, and the explosion 
had not wrecked the safe containing the silver sufficiently so the l)ur- 
glars could get it. 

Saving.s Bank. — The Kirksville Savings Bank was organized in 
October, 1873, with a capital stock of $10,000. The officers were A. J. 
Knight, President; C. H. Dutcher, X'ice-Prcsident; R. M. Ringo, 
Cashier. The Directors were F. M. Harrington and H. W. Snyder. 
This was the second bank organized in the county, and for nearly twen- 
ty years this bank and the one with which Mr. Baird was connected, 
were the only two banks in the county. 

After one year's service as President, A. .1. Knight resigned, and 
T. C. Camjibell of La Plata succeeded him. On Mr. Campbell's death 
on February 21, 1887, Samuel Reed was made President. 

The bank began l)usiness in a building which stood on the site of 
the Odd Fellows' Building on tiie southwest corner of the square. In 
February, 1886, the Baylor building, which stood on the west end of the 



The Banks. 



33a 



south side of the square was purchased and rearranged for banking pur- 
poses. This building has remained the home of this banlcing institution 
from that time to this. 

In June, 1886, the bank was reorganized. New stockholders were 
taken in and the capital stock doubled. When the bank was organized 
in 1873 the capital stock was $10,000. This was increased to $20,000 
in 1874, and in 1886 it was increased to $40,000. In 1891 it was doul)l("d 




Mr. R. M. Ringo 



again, having l^een raised from $40,000 to $80,000. It has since been 
reduced to $60,000. 

On the night of Noveml^er 10, 1898, the Savings Bank was burglar- 
ized. The vault was apparently entered by means of drilling the locks 
of both the outer and inner vault doors, iDut the safe which stood inside 
the vault was entered by some other means than drills and explosives. 
The bank sustained a loss of $10,480 in money with $4,000 insurance 
against Imrglary. Mr. Samuel Reed lost $15,000 in government bonds 
and a box of gold amounting to several thousand dollars. The bank was 



334 



History of Adair County. 



not injured in any way ))y the loss. There was no break in the transac- 
tion of business and tlie directors innueihately levied u])on the stock- 
liolders to make good their loss. 

The insurance company after inv^estigatinj^ the case, refused to 
])ay the Imnk anything on the $4,000 policy which it had issued to the 
l)ank. The bank sued the insurance company but lost the suit. The 
groimds taken by Judge Adams of the U. S. Court at Hannil)al in his 
instructions to the jury, were that the biu'glary was committtnl by some 




KiRKsviLLE Savings Ba.nk 



one who knew all jibout the safe and that the di'ill holes in the doors 
of the vault were only one of the many things done to make it ajipear 
that a burglar had done the work. 

As a matter of fact, suspicion was fasten(Ml upon a certain employee 
of the bank, and though no charges were ever brought against him. he 
soon resigned his place and left the town. 

l"'he success of the bank has been largely (lu(> to R. M. Ringo, com- 
monly called ''Diek" Ringo, who servcnl activ(>l_\' in one cai^acity or an- 



336 History of Adair County. 

other from the time of its organization to the time of his death in Jan- 
uary, 1908. 

The present officers are: W. P. Foster, President; V. J. Howell, 
Cashier. 

National Bank. — The third bank to be organized in the county 
was the Union Bank, now the National Bank of Kirksville. This was 
organized by P. C. Mills and B. F. Heiny, and opened for business on 
October 2, 1891. The capital stock was $40,000. The first officers were 
S. S. McLaughlin, President; P. C. Mills, Vice-President; B. F. Heiny, 
Cashier. 

A building was erected on th(^ northwest corner of the square by 
this bank before it was opened uii for business. 

It Avas changed to a national bank on Jan. 3, 1898, and has since 
been known as the National Bank. The capital stock was raised to $50,000. 

In January, 1908, Mr. Heiny severed his connection with this in- 
stitution, and S. F. Stahl became Cashier. Mr. Mills is now President, 
and has been for a number of years. 

Citizens National Bank. — The Citizens Bank was opened up 
for business on July 5, 1904, in the building now occupied by the Kirks- 
ville Trust Company. The chief stockholders in this bank w^ere H. M. 
Still, W. F. Font, Warren Hamilton, J. E. Waddill, Tyler Paine, Geo. 
England and others. J. E. Waddill was President and W. G. Font, 
Cashier. The capital stock was $80,000. 

In Fel)ruary, 1906, this bank Ijought out the Baird National Bank 
and moved into the building which the latter institution had been occu- 
pying. In May of that year the Citizens Bank was charteted as a 
National Bank, and the capital stock was raised to $100,000. 

The present officers are: H. M. Still, President; Warren Hamil- 
ton, Vice-President; W. G. Font, Cashier. 

Trust Company. — The Kirksville Trust Com]:)any was organized 
by the Citizens Bank in March, 1906. It was opened uj) for business 
in the Citizens Bank building at the time when that bank transferred 
its (juarters to the Baird National Bank building. J. E. Waddill was 
President, and R. M. Miller, Secretary. Th(> capital stock is $100,000, 
one-half of which is i)aid up. Several changes have been made. In 
January, 1908, B. F. Heiny severed his connection with the National 
Bank and became connected with this company. The jn-esent officers 
are: B. F. Heiny, President; R. M. Miller, Secy. 



The Banks. 337 

Brashear Banks. — Brashear has two banks, the State Bank of 
Brashear and the Brashear Banking Company. 

The State Bank of Brashear was estabhshed on October 14, 1890, 
with 0. C. Sands, J. N. McCreery, Daniel Tuttle, M. F. Strock, F. M. 
Harrington, R. M. Ringo, F. P. Wiseman, Jacob Conkle, W. H. Sohn 
and others as stockholders. The capital stock was $5,000. 

Shortly after this Mr. Sands bought up the other stockholders, 




KiRKSviLLE Trust Company. 

and he conducted it as a private institution until March, 1900, when he 
sold out to Myers Bros. In 1907 Mr. C. S. Davis bought out Myers 
Bros, and remains the present owner. The capital stock is now $10,000. 
The Brashear Banking Company was established in 1907 by George 
Tuttle and E. E. Black, and still remains under them. The capital 
stock is $5,000. 

NoviNGER Banks. — Novinger has likewise two banks, the Novinger 
Bank and the Union Bank of Novinger. 

The Novinger Bank was organized on December 1, 1900, by L. D. 
Hillyer, with a capital stock of $6,000. The stockholders were L. D. 
Hillyer, S. A. Novinger, John Shibley, J. F. Novinger, J. A. Novinger, 



The Banks. 330 

Marion Shoop, F. W. Cain, Jacob Shoop, and John Shoop. Business 
was begun in a l)uikling on the hill near the present residence of Mrs. 
Aaron Kinyon. The present well arranged building was built in 1903 
and occupied in September of that year. The capital stock has been 
increased from $6,000 to $12,000, and later to $20,000. The officers at 
the present time are: S. A. Novinger, President; (). E. Novinger, 
Cashier. 

The Union Bank of Novinger was organized by L. D. Hillyer, S. 
A. Novinger, Isaac N. Novinger, J. F. Novinger, and P. C. Mills. 
Several of these men were stockholders in the Novinger Bank. S. A. 
Novinger was made President and Isaac Novinger, Cashier. Most of 
the original stockholders have since sold out to others. The capital 
stock is $10,000. The present President is J. J. Wells, and the Cashier, 
I. N. Novinger. 

Adair County Miners' Bank. — For a short time Connelsville 
afforded two banks, the Bank of Connelsville and the Adair County 
Miners' Bank. The first was organized in November, 1902, by W. T. 
Baird of Kirksville, A. E. Jones, and E. H. Allison, an Illinois banker. 
In January, 1903, the Adair County Miners Bank was organized by 
L. D. Hillyer of Novinger. As the promoters of the first bank realized 
there was not enough business for two banks, they surrendered the field 
and sold out to the second. The capital stock of the surviving bank, 
the Adair County Miners Bank, is $15,000. The first Board of Di- 
rectors was composed of L. D. Hillyer, F. S. Fechtling, Wm. Motter, 
J. W. Cook, and J. E. Reaugh. L. D. Hillyer was elected President 
and J. E. Reaugh, Cashier. In 1905 Mr. Hillj^er disposed of his stock, 
and F. S. Fechtling was elected President. In 1908 C. G. Young was 
elected Cashier. 

Bank of Gibbs. — The bank at Gibbs was originally a stockhold- 
ers' organization and was called the Gibbs Savings Bank. It was sold 
to Craggs and Elmore in July, 1901, when the name was changed to the 
Bank of Gibbs, and the capital stock was reduced to $5,000. Craggs 
and Elmore sold out to Frank Myers in February, 1903, and in Decem- 
ber, 1905, Frank Myers sold to J. H. Myers. Later J. H. Myers sold 
out to Allison & Miller, and on April 30, 1907, E. B. Campbell bought 
out Allison & Miller. Mr. Campbell has remained in possession of the 
bank longer than any other person. The capital stock is still $5,000. 



The Banks. 341 

Building and Loan Associations. — The Kirksville Building and 
Loan Association was organized in May, 1885, with W. G. Font, Pres- 
ident; A. M. Smith, Secretary; and W. T. Baird, Treasurer. The 
original stock was $80,000; this was later raised to $100,000, and then 
to $200,000. In 1907 the association was rechartered for fifty years, 
and the capital stock was raised to $250,000. W. G. Font has been 
President ever since it was organized, and W. G. Downing has been the 
Secretary for the last twelve yeans. This association built some modern 
frame residences on Jefferson street between Mulanix and Florence 
during 1909-10, as an investment, several of which were sold off almost 
as soon as completed. 

There is a Building and Loan Association at Novinger, which has 
been organized in the last year with a capital stock of about $25,000. 

These two are the onlv ones in the countv. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

KIRKSVILLE. 

Early Settlers. — Before Kirksville was laid out the vicinity was 
known to some as Long Point, and to others as liopkinsville. The 
first white settlement in the county was made in 1828, and was known 
as "The Cabins." This settlement was six miles west of what is now 
Kirksville. It is not known just when settlers began to occupy the 




Mrs. Mary East Sloan, Widow of David E. Sloan 
Mr. and Mrs. Sloan settled in 1S40 in what later became Kirksville. 



land in and around the present Kirksville. By 1841, when the town 
was laid out, there were a few settlers living in this vicinity, among 
whom were Jesse Kirk and David E. Sloan. Mr. Sloan had settled 
first in Wtdnut Township, but moved his family to what is now Kirks- 
ville in 18-10 and built a log cabin on the site of the warehouse of L. D. 
Cochran & Company, more genc^rally known as the Kennedy ware- 
house, just west of the northwest corner of tiie s{|uar(\ The tradition 



KiKKSVILLE. 343 

in his family is to the effect that his house was the first one ever built 
Avithin the limits of the original Kirksville. He died very shortly after 
building this cabin, but his widow, Mary East Sloan, lived on thirty 
years or more, and was one of the familiar characters in the early his- 
tory of the town and county. Mr. Kirk lived near the present Willard 
School house, and for a long time kept a tavern there. 

Besides the Kirk and Sloan families, there were during the forties 
representatives of the Stewart, Floyd, Holloway, Parcells, Callison, 
James, Sheeks, Ivie, Hunsaker, Dodson, JNIulanix, Goode, Murphy and 
Galyen families in Kirksville. Inhere were doubtless other families 
represented during that time, but just who they were has not been 
ascertained. 

Growth in Population. — Kirksville grew in i^opulation very slow- 
ly at first. In fact, the rate of increase in pojiulation was greater for 
the county as a whole fi'om 1850 to 1880 inclusive, than for the town. 
Since 1880 the town has grown more rapidly than the county. 

The following figures taken from the census reports, show the pop- 
ulation of the town and county from 1850 to 1910: 

Year. Kirksville. Adair County 

(Including Kirksville) 

1850 2, 342 

1860 658 8, 531 

1870 1,471 11,448 

1880 2,314 15,190 

1890 3, 510 17, 147 

1900 5,966 21,728 

1910 0, 347 22, 700 

The population of Kirksville in 1850 is not known. 

In Chapter II of this book some account was given of the growth 
of the population of the county. Since that chapter was put into print 
the Census Commissioner for the census of 1910 has made public his 
report on the situation in the Missouri counties and towns. Inasmuch 
as the detailed information concerning Adair County was not available 
when the above mentioned chapter was printed, it may be in order to 
bring it in at this point. 

Adair County had a population in 1910 of 22,700 as compared with 
21,728 in 1900. The population of the various townships at these two 
dates was as follows: 

I 



344 The History of Adair County. 

Township. 1910 1900 

Benton (including Kirksville) 8, 08() 7, 826 

Clay 1,709 2,207 

Liberty 1,185 1,285 

Morrow 1, 490 1, 985 

Nineveh (including Connelsville and Novinger) . .4, 677 2, 226 

Pettis 1,100 1,307 

Polk 770 884 

Salt River (including Brashear) 1, 470 1, 624 

Walnut 954 1,112 

Wilson (including Gibbs) 1, 258 1, 272 

In order that it may he clearly seen that the increase of population 
has been in the towns and the loss in the rural districts, the following 
facts are submitted: 

Cities AND Towns. 1910 1900 

Kirksville 6,347 5, 966 

1st ward 1,341 

2nd ward 989 

3rd ward 1,684 

4th ward 2, 333 

Novinger 1, 711 

Northward 1,022 

South ward 689 

Connelsville 652 

Brashear 458 401 

Gibbs 229 168 

Novinger was incorporated in 1901 and Connelsville in 1904; hence 
neither town shows in the 1900 column. 

The foregoing tables, taken from the official statistics just issued 
by the Census Bureau at Washington, show that during the past ten 
years Adair County gained in population 972. 

The City of Kirksville and the other towns of the county show 
increased population; hence the rural portion of the county shows a 
dc'('id(Ml decrease. 

Kirksville's gain was 381. Brashear gained 57, and Gibbs gained 
58. Novinger and Connelsville have made a marked growth, but as 
neither town was incorporated at the time of the 1900 census, no com- 
parison can be made. 



KiiiKsviLi-E. 345 

Benton township, ineludino; Kirksville, gained 2(i0. As Kirks- 
ville alone gained 381, the township outside of Kirksville therefore lost 
121 of its inhabitants. 

Nineveh township, including Connelsville and Novinger, gained 
2,451. This gain, however, was wholly within the limits of the two 
towns; hence, the township outside of these towns shows a loss. 

Salt River township, outside of Brashear, sustained a loss of 211. 

Wilson township, outside of Gibbs, had a loss of 71. 

Clay and Morrow townships show the greatest loss, the former 
losing 498 and the latter 495. 

The marked increase in the size of the town since 1880 is largely 
due to the educational institutions located there, the First District 
Normal School and the American School of Osteopathy. It is per- 
haps not too much to say that Kirksville would not likely be any larger 
than the county seat towns in the counties immediately to the north, 
east and west of her if it were not for these schools. They have been 
the means of attracting many people here, v/ho have remained after 
having educated their children in them. 

MiTNicirAL Organization. — The history of the municipal govern- 
ment of Kirksville may be divided into six periods: first, from the time 
the town was laid out in 1841 to the time of its incorporation in 1857; 
second, from 1857 to the suspension of the municipal government dur- 
ing the war; third, from the reorganization of the town government 
in 1866 to the granting of a special charter in 1873; fourth, from 1873 
to 1886, when the town surrendered its charter and ))ecame a city of 
the fourth class; fifth, from 1886 to 1892, when the city was raised to 
one of the third class; and sixth, from 1892 to the present. Some at- 
tempt will be made to describe the changes in the governmental or- 
ganization of the town as they have occurred from one period to another, 
as suggested in the above outline. 

The same law which established the county in 1841, provided for 
three commissioners to locate the county seat. They were Jefferson 
Collins of Lewis County, L. B. Mitchell of Clark County, and Thomas 
Farrell of Monroe County. They were instructed to locate the county 
seat within two and a half miles of the geographical center of the county. 
Some time during 1841 they accomplished the work they were author- 
ized to do. They entered for the county the northwest ciuarter of 
section 9, township 62, range 15, which comprised 160 acres. The 
county very shortly thereafter disposed of the west half of this quarter 
section to W. P. Linder, retaining the east half for the county seat. 



34() The History of Adair Colnty. 

According to a story told in the North Missouri Register for December 
4, 1873, it was largely through the influence of David E. Sloan and a 
few others that the commissioners selected this particular quarter sec- 
tion for the county seat site. 

When the county seat came to be surveyed off an error was made 
by the surveyors in determining the exact boundaries of the land that 
had been entered for the county. It had been decided to lay off for 
the time, the north forty only of the eighty acres which the county owned. 
The surveyors put the northeast corner of this forty acres several feet 
too far to the northeast, so that when they had completed their work 
and had made a plat of the original town it was one ))lock too far to the 
north and one half block too far to the east. In other words, the 
town was made to extend over into section four on the north and into 
the northeast quarter of section nine. The town was sul)sequently 
corrected b,y taking off these extensions, and by adding what the 
county owned on the west and south in the forty acres that had lieen 
set aside for the original town. Later the county had the other forty 
acres surveyed and platted, and added them to the original town. 

The original town of forty acres as the surveyors laid it out, was 
bounded on the north by what is now Missouri Street, on the east l^y 
High Street, on the south by McPherson Street, and on the west by 
Main Street. When the corrections were made the northern boundary 
was Illinois Street, the eastern was an alley between Marion and High 
Streets, and the western the alley west of Main Street. There are 
therefore no blocks 5, 6, 15 and IG in the original town of Kirksville be- 
cause of this error. The public square is block 9. 

The county disposed of the town lots that had l)een laid off in the 
eighty acres it had kejit for a county seat, Ijy auction sales usually. 

The town was named after Jesse Kirk, who was living outside the 
limits of the town when it was laid out. According to the story, as tra- 
dition has preserved it, liis wife was cooking a turkey dinner the day 
the surveyors com]il(^t(Ml their work, and he offered to invite them to 
partake of that dinner and indulge in his supply of good whiskey, pro- 
vided they would name the town in his honor. The offer was accepted 
and the name of Kirksville was given to the newly laid out town. 

'i'he original jilat was acknowledged on May 18, 1842, though it 
does not seem to have been filed until June 21, 1847. This document 
is now in possession of Mr. H. F. Millan of Kirksville. It was used 
as one of the papers in a suit of Linder vs. Adair County, and as the case 
was tried in Sullivan County on change of venue, it was taken to Milan 
and for vears was left there. Later it was brought from Milan to Kirks- 



KiRKSVILLE. 347 

villc and sivcn to Mr. ]\Iillan, who has since preserved it carefully in his 
office safe. 

Uj) to 1857 the town of Kirksville was unincorporated, and hence 
was subject to the townshi]) officers of Benton township. No records 
have survived from that time, so that it is impossible to give anything 
concerning either the township officers of the transactions of the town- 
ship organization. 

By the time the town was incorporated several additions had Ixmmi 
made to the original town. These w^ere the county's first adcUtion in 
1842, which consisted of a tier of blocks west of Main Street; the South 
addition in 1852, which consisted of six blocks and four half blocks 
south of the original town and the county's first addition; the Linder's 
first addition in 1854, which consisted of four V)locks and four half blocks 
east of the original town; and Linder and Mulanix addition in 1856 of 
five blocks and eight half blocks south of Linder's first addition. 

In 1857 a petition was sent to the Legislature asking that the town 
be incorporated and a charter granted. This was granted on January 
30, 1857, when the Legislature passed a special act giving a charter to 
the town. This act was only one of a number of similar acts passed 
during the fifties and sixties incorporating numerous towns in tlie state. 

According to this act of 1857 the town government of Kirksville 
was carried on by an elective town council and various appointive of- 
ficers. The council was what was commonly called the Board of Trus- 
tees. It was comjiosed of seven trustees elected annually on a general 
ticket. The first seven trustees were named by the Legislature in the 
act of 1857. They were M. P. Hannah, John Thomas, William Lough, 
0. H. Beeman, Jesse C. Thatcher, John D. Foster, and E. W. Parcels. 
Thereafter the entire board was re-elected every first Monday in April. 
Within ten days after the election of each board, the members met and 
elected one of their own number as chairman; they also elected a clerk. 
The chairman corresponded to the maj'or, but he had no power over 
the }:)oard save that of a presiding officer. The board elected various 
other town officers, such as assessor, constable, recorder and treas- 
urer. The town justice was elected by the county court, acting upon 
the recommendation of the trustees. 

No records have come down from the town government as organ- 
ized under the charter of 1857. It seems, however, that during the 
war the town government became suspended and remained so until 
1866. In that year the State Legislature passed an act giving all the 
towns and villages in the state the power to reorganize under their for- 
mer charters, which may have been ignored or set aside. Kirksville 



348 The History of Adair County. 

took advantage of this opportunity. An order was therefore made by 
the county court ordering the election of a new board of trustees for the 
town, inasmuch as all the trustees at the time the town government 
had suspended had left town. This special election too place on May 
19, 1866. The trustees elected were J. W. Lee, S. W. Williams, Sam- 
uel Reed, W. O. H. P. Ammerman, J. G. Jamison, John L. Rowlinson, 
and 0. H. Beeman. By June the town government was going again. 
The extant records of the town begin with the work done by this Board 
of Trustees; that does not mean, hoAvever, that all the extant records 
are continuous from that time to this, for some of them are missing in 
the seventies. Judging from the character of the ordinances passed 
in 1866, one would suppose that the town was being organized for the 
first time, as they deal with everything from the procuring of a town 
seal to the levy of taxes. 

Barring a few minor differences, the town government was the 
same from 1866 to 1873, as it had been from 1857 to its suspension dur- 
ing the war. 

In 1873 a new charter was granted the town by the Legislature, 
and with this we pass to a consideration of the fourth period of the 
town's governmental history. This charter provided in the first place, 
that an election should be held in April, 1873, and every April there- 
after, for the purpose of electing a mayor and four councilmen. The 
town was divided into two wards and two councilment were elected 
annually from each ward. The council elected a President pro tempore 
who presided in the absence of the mayor. The chief powers of the 
council were to regulate the time and place of holding its meetings, to 
judge of the qualifications of its members, to determine contested elec- 
tions, to appoint and remove all appointive officers, fix their salaries 
and determine their duties, and to arrange the finances of the town. 
The appointive officers were clerk, treasurer, attorney, marshal, as- 
sessor and street commissioner. 

Two of the mayor's duties were to see that the town ordinances 
were enforced and to issue statements of the financial conditi(m of the 
town. He had original a)id exclusive jurisdiction in all cases arising 
under the town ordinances, and concurrent jurisdiction with the jus- 
tices of the peace, subject, of course, to an apjieal to the Circuit Court 
of Adair County. As jiresiding officer of the council he had no vote 
except in case of a tie. 

The next change made in the government of Kirksville was in 1886, 
when it gave up the charter of 1873 and became a city of the fourth 
class. On March 9, 1886, an ordinance was passed by the town coun- 



KiKKSVILLE. 349 

cil providing for suhinittinji; to the voters a proposition for Kirksville 
becoming a city of the fourth class under the general law of 1877, which 
provided for the reorganization of cities of the first, second, third and 
fourth classes. On March oO, 188G, a special election was held to vote 
on this proposition, and it was carried by a big majority, 245 to 96. On 
the following day Mayor Hope declared the town to be the city of Kirks- 
ville. 

The chief officers imder the new government were the board of 
aldermen, the mayor, and the marshal, all of whom were elective. The 
board of aldermen was composed of two men elected from one of the 
two wards of the city. The law of 1877 provided that at the first elec- 
tion for aldermen the one receiving the highest nimil^er of votes in each 
ward should hold his office for two years, and the one receiving the next 
highest should hold his office for one year; after the first election each 
ward was to elect annually one alderman who should hold his office for 
two years. The board of aldermen held two regular meetings each 
month. The presiding officer was the mayor, but the board elected one 
of their own nimiber as president, whose onh^ duty seems to have been 
to sign all bills passed by the board. The board was primarily a leg- 
islative body, passing ordinances for the government of the city. It 
also levied taxes, granted licenses, and fixed the salaries of all officials 
and employees. 

The chief executive of the cit}^ was the mayor, who served two 
years. He presided at the meetings of the board of aldermen, l)ut had 
no vote except in case of a tie. However, all bills passed by the board 
had to be signed by the mayor before they became laws. The mayor 
also saw to the enforcement of the city ordinances and made appoint- 
ments, with the consent of the aldermen, to the various city offices. 
He was also a judicial officer and tried all cases in which the city ordi- 
nances were involved. From his decisions appeals might be taken to 
the circuit court. 

One other officer was specially provided for at this time, the marshal. 
He was elected at the same time as the mayor and served two years. 
The marshal served as chief of police and assisted in enforcing the city 
ordinances. He was also required to attend the meetings of the board 
unless on ot4ier duty or excused by the board or the mayor. 

The other officers were appointed by the mayor, with the consent 
of the board. 

On June 6, 1892, an ordinance was passed to submit to the voters 
at a special election a proposition to organize and become a city of the 
third class under the provisions of the general law. The election was 



350 The History of Adair County. 

held on July 5, 1892, and the proposition was carried by a vote of 205 
to 107; not half of the voters voted, however. The city did not liegin 
work under the new charter until April, 1893. It has remained under 
that charter ever since. 

Under the new organization the government has remained as 
before, with three notable exceptions. The first is the division of 
the city into four wards instead of two, the election of two councihnen 
from each Avard, therel^y increasing the number of councilmen from 
four to eight, and the changing of the name of the council from that of 
board of aldermen to city council. The second is the increase in the 
number of elective officers. In addition to the mayor and marshal, 
who had been elective under the preceding government, the city attor- 
ney, collector, treasurer, assessor, recorder, and the police judge were 
made elective also. Each of these officers serve for two years. Many 
other officers are either appointed by the mayor with the consent of 
the council, or are elected by the council. The third is the transfer 
of the judicial functions of the mayor to the police judge. 

The chairmen of the Board of Trustees from 1857 to 1866 are not 
known, as all records are lost. Those from 1866 to 1873 were as follows: 

1866— J. G. Jamison. 1870— A. L. Shepherd. 

1867— J. G. Jamison. 1871— F. M. Potter. 

1868— J. G. Jamison. 1872 (Jan.)— Geo. T. Spencer. 

1869— J. B. Brewington. 1872 (Apr.)— S. M. Link. 

The Mayors from 1873 to 1886 were as follows: 

1873— H. F. Millan. 1881 (Jan.)— Dr. J. H. Wesscher. 

1874—0. H. Beeman. 1881 (Apr.)— P. M. Smith. 

1875— J. E. Watson. 1882— S. M. Pickler. 

1876— W. N. Hope. 1883 (Apr.)— G. A. Goben. 

1877— W. N. Hope. 1883 (Dec.)— Thos. Sees. 

1878— W. N. Hope. 1884-Thos. Sees. 

1879— F. M. Harrington. 1885— W. N. Hope. 

1880- F. M. Harrington. 

Since 1886 the term of the Mayor has been two years instead of 
one. The Mayors since tlieu have been: 

1886— B. M. Ross. 1899— W. E. Noonan. 

1888— John Richey. 1901- T. J. Dockery. 

1890— Wm. Gibbons. 1903— G. A. Goben. 

1892— J. W. Tinsman. 1905— T. J. Craig. 

1893— J. W. Tinsman. 1907— H. Selby. 

1895— W. E. Noonan. 1909— J. M. McCall. 

1897— T. J. Dockerv. 1911— G. A. Goben. 



KlKKSVILLE. 351 

Bonded Indebtedness.— As far as is known the city had no bonded 
indebtedness prior to 1894. Since then the city has voted bonds for 
waterworks to the amount of $60,000 in all; for a sewer system, $40,- 
000; for paying okl city warrants, $19,000. In adiUtion, the city coun- 
cil issued at one time $9,000 for current revenue purposes and $6,000 at 
another to pay off judj^ments which had been rendered against the city. 
In all the city has had bonds amounting to $134,000 issued against her. 
Of this amount $60,000 has been paid, and $74,000 remains yet un- 
paid. 

The following table presents the salient facts concerning the past 
and present bonded indebtedness of the city: 

BONDED INDEBTEDNESS OF KIRKSVILLE. 

Date of Issue Anit. Purpose Rate Term Amt. Paid Unpaid (1911) 



1894(1) 


$20, 000 


Water Works. 


5% 


20 yrs. 


$20, 000 




1898 


40, 000 


Extension of 
Water Works. 


5% 


20 yrs. 


24, 000 


$16, 000 


1903(2) 


9, 000 


Current Revenue 


6% 


1 yr- 


9,000 




1906 


40, 000 


Sewer System. 


4% 


20 yrs. 


7,000 


33, 000 


1908(3) 


19, 000 


Old Warrants. 


5% 


20 yrs. 




19,000 


1910(4) 


6, 000 


Judgments. 


5% 


20 yrs. 




6,000 



Total, $134,000 $60,000 $74,000 

(1) After $5,000 of these bonds had been paid off, the city refunded 
in 1900 the remaining $15,000 of 4% for twenty years, but managed to 
pay the entire amount off in 1906. 

(2) The council anticipated this much of the following year's in- 
come, and issued bonds without a vote of the people. 

(3) The issue became a most urgent necessity because of the long 
standing inability of the city to pay off old warrants. 

(4) The bonds to pay judgments which' had been rendered against 
the city, were issued without vote of the prople. 

Dramshop Ordinances. — Just what dramshop regulations the 
town of Kirksville had prior to 1866 is unknown, as all records prior to 
that time have been lost. The first dramshop ordinance on the ex- 
tant records is dated July 3, 1866. It provided that every dramshop, 
beer saloon, billiard hall and the like, should be licensed. The Hcense 
for a dramshop Avas $25 for six months, and for a beer saloon $10. In 
November, 1866 the licenses were raised to $50 and $20. At no time 
since has the amount l)een so low as then. 

Drinking was evidently indulged in to very great excess in those 



352 Tin: llisroKV ok Adaik Cointv. 

(iay.s. '\() piil ;i check upon this evil ;iii nclivc tciiipcr;iiicc c;iiiip;ii^n 
was carried on in Kiiksviile in .J:inn;uy, IH()7. The r';iinp;iiji;n enhsled 
Ihe irileresled and siip|)otl of a ^;reMl many i)roniinent citi/ens. Ainonfz; 
Ihe results was Ihe a^reenienl ni;ide hy a ^;roiip of o\'ei' I'oity pfotniheMt 
men of the town not to take a drink for a year; many of them weic nd- 
dicted to pretty heavy (h'inkinii,. How faithrully tjiey lived up tothis 
pledf^e c;innot he said. The campaijili does not, seem to have e(Tecte<| 
any immediate ch;itij;c in the Icnvn ordin;ihces reji;;irdiM;^ the ruiMor 
trafhc. 

TIk- first anti-dramshop lejj^isl.'it ion in Kirksville, as far' as is known, 
was passed in Si-ptemher, IHTii, when an ordiniince [)roliil)it inj^ the sale 
of iiiloxicatitif; li(|iiors and of Weer in less than (jne gallon lots, was |)assed. 
It m;i\- he thiit this lejiisl.it ion was the result of a series of leMi[)eranc;(! 
meetin^,s held in Kirks\ille in I'Vljruai'y, March and Aj)ril of th.'d year. 
^ oiiiplaiids w('r(' m:ide, however, within tlirc*! months ;dter thi- ordi- 
n;ince was |)ass('d, that it was hein^; (iTossly violated, ;ind the attitude of 
the people was seen in the s[)rinj;' election of 1S71. There wei'" two 
tickets in the (ield; one in f;i\'or of no licensed saloons, and the other 
in favor of tlx'm. The Latter ticket won hy a, close vote, and licenced 
saloons were a}i,ain re-toted. 

In .\piil, IS7'.), the pr•opo-^it ion to license .^aloons was suhmittecl to 
the peoph' of Kirksville. The vote stood 2S4 against licensing and I 10 
lor. As far as c;in he made out tliis is the first time the nuitter luid ever 
hec-n referred to the people of tlie town. 

It is not known how lon^; the town was without licenced saloons 
after 1S7'.), as I h<' reccjrds are lacking for ;i few years rijiht at this lime, 
hut it is known that in March, 1S84, the town council t^ranted a saloon 
li(;ense to ( leory;e .Meviii, for which he paid $1, ()()() for si.x months, he- 
sides putting up a hond for 8I,0IJ() not to sell to minors or hahitual 
dnnd<ards, or on Sundays. The license that Wiis jirnnted was said, 
however, to l)e onlv the renewal of one lh;it had Ix-en runninji; for two 
years, and that the fee was raised at this time from .ItitiOO to .>^1,()()(). 

The city election eanipaif»n of 1HS4 was a rather exciting <>iie. There 
were (wo tickets in the field, ;i no-license ticket ami a (ufizens' ticket 
which was understood to iie a license ticket. The no-license ticket 
won tlie m;i_\orship and a majorit\' of the coimcilmen hy a small margin. 
Thos. Sees was elecited mayor in opposition to I'. .M. Smith. 

On .famniry 7, ]HH(\, the coimcil f)assed ;m or-dinance re^ulatiuK 
the s;de of li(|uor in (juantities of one gallon or o\cr. 

In .lime, IKS(», arraiificments were miide for a Temjjeraiice Camp 
;it Kirks\ille, which was to last six djiys, July lo-2(), during which time 



KiRKSVILLE. 353 

noted temperance speakers would address the assembled crowds. Among 
these speakers were Geo. Bain, Sam Jones, Sobieski, and St. John. The 
camp did not pay out financially, but it proved ver> influential. A 
few days after it closed a Prohibition Glub was formed. The members 
declared thej^ were not in favor of a third party, but that they would 
not vote for any man who did not favor temperance. All this agitation 
resulted in the people voting on August 22, 1887, to abolish the saloons 
for four years. The vote stood 340 against the saloons and 199 for. 

Before the four years expired, however, licensed saloons were again 
in operation in Kirksville. Six and Dr. Reamer applied for a saloon 
license in 1889, and on being refused by the town council appealed to 
the circuit court, whereupon Judge Ellison decided in December, 1889, 
that the ordinance prohibiting saloons in the city was invalid. 

By 1890 licensed saloons were in full blast again in the town. Two 
of the three saloons were called "supreme court" saloons, because they 
paid no city or county license. 

An effort was made to have the question submitted to the people 
again, and the council actually ordered that a special election for that 
purpose be held on July 8, 1890, but from some cause or other the coun- 
cil withdrew the order on the day before the election. The situation 
must liave been bad at that time, as complaint was made in the papers 
lhat original package houses were flourishing in the town. 

The licensed saloon ciuestion was submitted a third time on August 
9, 1894, with the result that 356 votes were cast against licensing saloons 
and 312 for it. An ordinance covering the matter conformable to these 
returns was passed on January 6, 1895. 

At the close of the four years' period the same question was sub- 
mitted a fourth time with the result that a majority vote was cast in 
favor of the licensed saloon. The vote was 594 for it and 421 against. 
The council therefore passed an ordinance on September 8, 1898, reg- 
ulating dramshops. The return to the licensed saloon in 1898 was 
largely clue to the fact that all the attempts at suppressing club houses 
which were violating the anti-dramshop law, had been futile. A Law 
and Order League was formed in 1895 to suppress them, but it does not 
seem to have been successful. 

• The last time the licensed saloon question was sul^mitted Avas in 
December, 1907, when the drys won against the wets by a vote of 645 
to 486. The city has been without licensed saloons since that time, 
but it is commonly known that lic^uor is sold in several places in the 
town, and several parties have been found guilty in the courts for vio- 
lations of the liquor laws. 



354 The History of Adair County. 

One of the most active agencies in sentiment making- for the tem- 
perance cause has been the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. 
The Kirksville Union was organized on November 23, 1882, with the 
following charter members: Mesdames E. Beazell, S. H. Smith, A. 
Dutcher, A. E. Lantz, Rankin, Brenneman, Blackman, Hooper, Bent- 
ley, Chambhss, Boyd, Wheat, and Mitchell. The Union has had a 
continuous existence from that time to this, though there have been 
times when interest was greater than ordinarily. 

Another active agent in this work was the Good Templars (I. O. 
G. T.). Perseverance Lodge, No. 41, at Kirksville, Avas organized in 

1873. This association arranged for a hall by building a third story 
on the Watson building, which stood just south of the Odd Fellows' 
building. The members of the Good Templars in 1873 were S. F. Mil- 
ler, Miss Rowland, Henry Harris, Miss Carrie Gill, W. T. Sholly, Wm. 
Edwards, A. H. Kearnes, Miss Blackman, J. M. Greenwood, W. L. 
Stoddard, H. Spencer, Miss Gibson, Miss Brasfield and Miss Link 
The Grand Lodge of Missouri held its sessions in Kirksville in July, 

1874. In October, 1879, the Templars of District 40, which was com- 
posed of Adair and Macon Counties, held a convention in Kirksville. 

It seems that the Kirksville Chapter was reorganized on March 
31, 1884, and then after another relapse it was again reorganized, this 
time on July 11, 1891. The meetings were held in the K. P. Hall every 
Thursday evening, and the membership in 1892 was said to have been 
seventy-five. It is no longer in existence, having been suspended sev- 
eral years ago. 

The Good Templars had an organization at Brashear. Its mem- 
bership in 1875 was at least forty. 

The Colored Good Templars had an organization' at Kirksville. 
The Grand Lodge met here in 1883. 

In the more recent local option campaigns organizations were ef- 
fected not only to carry on the campaigns, but also to see to the en- 
f(M'cement of the law. But invariably the organizations have lapsed 
and violations of the liquor laws have been indifferently prosecuted. 

PiBLic Utilities.— The city affords in the way of pul)lic utilities 
an electric light plant, a telephone system, a water works system, and 
a sewerage system. Only the water woi'ks and the sewerage systems 
Ix'lor.g t(j the city. The others are owned ])y private companies. 

Prior to 1894 the town had no water works. For fire protection 
♦ lepciidence had to be ])u\ upon some wells which had been dug at the 
four corners of the s([uare, from which the water would be pumped by 



KiRKSVILI.E. 355 

a hand (Mis>ine puni]) in time of need. The very (h-structive fires from 
which the town snfferetl l^rought the people to a fuller realization of the 
necessity of providing for a water system which would afford more ample 
protection than the wells at the corner of the square. In March, 1890, 
the greater part of the south side of the square burned down. The 
necessity of a water system was made clearei- than ever l^efore. A 
special election was therefore held on June 20, 1890, to vote on the 
proposition to issue $40,000 in l)onds with which to build a water 
system. But the vote was only 333 for to 219 against, and since a 
two-thirds majority was not cast for it, it was lost. 

It was over three years before the matter was brought up again 
before the people by way of a special election. On January 16, 1894, 
a proposition to issue $20,000 in bonds to build a water works system 
was carried by a vote of 069 to 42. 

During 1893 an artesian well company was organized and an ar- 
tesian well bored near the present electric light plant. About $3,200 
Avas subscribed to the stock of this company. The contract for boring 
the well was let to L. G. Blackball of St. Louis in April. Water was 
struck at a depth of 425 feet, but that was not sufficient for a water 
system. When a depth of 1397 feet was reached a test was made, and 
it was discovered that 3,000 gallons could be pumped every hour out 
of the well without lowering the level. Thereupon the well was de- 
clared finished. The cost amounted to $2,700. Now that it was 
thought a sufficient supply of water had been secured, the proposi- 
tion to vote bonds to build the water works was again suVnnitted in 
January, 1894, with the result as above noted. 

The bonds were sold to a Chicago firm for $20,065 in February, 
and by early April contracts were let by the council for four and a half 
miles of water mains and fifty Ludlow hydrants. Later in the month 
contracts for the plant complete had been let. The system included a 
reservoir and a pumping station. The water was raised from the well 
into the reservoir and then forced through the mains by the pump. In 
October a test was made and it was found a stream could be thrown 
ninety feet high. The city accepted the system some time in Decem- 
ber, 1894. 

The system proved to be inadequate. The supply of water was not 
sufficient and many complained that the water was not good either to 
drink or for steam purposes. Moreover, there was a growing demand 
for a more extensive service. Some were beginning to advocate using 
the Chariton as the source of supply. But as that would entail heavy 
expense in laying a long main from the river to town, it was feared that 



35G The History of Adath County. 

it could not l)e done. Tlie tirst ]ilan of extension was to have more wells 
and thus increase the supply of water, and a proposition to issue $15,000 
in bonds to do that was submitted on May 3, 1898, but it was lost by a 
vote of 373 for and 282 against. A two-thirds majority was necessary 
to carry it. 

The demand became more insistent that mains be laid from the 
Chariton to a settling basin near town from which the water would be 
brought into the reservoir. It was also proposed that al)out three and 
a half miles of new mains should be laid in the city. A special election 
was called on July IG, 1898, to vote on a proposition to issue $40,000 
to do the above mentioned things, and it was carried by a vote of 648 
for and only 147 against. In the course of a year the improvements 
were made. 

The main which brings the water from the Chariton to the settling 
basin is of seven-inch Calamine steel pipe, and is 27,000 feet long. The 
main from the settling basin to the reservoir is of the same kind of ma- 
terial and size, and is 9,000 feet long. Iliroughout the city there are 
over eight miles of mains in service. For fire ])rotection there have 
Ijeen installed sixty-four hydrants. Seven hundred and ninety permits 
have been issued to patrons for tapping the mains. 

The system has again become inadequate and expensive. In Jan- 
uary, 1907, it was found necessary to install a motor pump at the set- 
tling basin in order to force the water to flow down hill into the reser- 
voir. The proposition to repair the old plant or rebuild it completely 
has been considerably discussed in the last year. It is only a matter of 
a short time when something will have to be done towards making it 
up to date and sufhcicMit for the demands of the time. Instead of being 
an expense to the city it should ho made a source of income and undoul>t- 
edly will be when it is put on a proper basis. 

The Kirksville Electric Light, Heating, Power and Water Com- 
pany was organized September 6, 1888, with a capital stock of $10,000. 
The officers of the Board of Directors were John ('askey, President; 
W. T. I^aird, Treasurer; C. E. Ross, Secretary. This company con- 
tracted in November, 1888 for the Rail system of lighting and also let 
the contract for erecting its building. The council evidently made some 
sort of a contract with this company for street lights. 

In September, 1889, the Thompson-Huston Electric Company ar- 
ranged to put in an incandescent plant. Meanwhile, the original com- 
pany ordered machinery to put in the incandescent system of lighting 
too. These two companies existed side by side until January, 1891, 
when the incandescent company sold out to the older company. The 



KiRKSVILLE. 357 

nia('hiiuM\v of tlic coinpan.N' scUiiisi; out was moved to the plant of the old 
company near the O. K. depot. 

In April, 1892, the plant was sold to H.(\ McCahan. Fred Darrow, 
J. M. Kennedy and .John lirat>o- for ^15,000. It finally l)ecame the 
property of IMeCahan and K(>nn(Mly. Th(\v sold it in turn to the com- 
pany that now owns it, in April, 1908. I'he stockholders in the company 
at that time were H. M. Still, Warren Hamilton, Chas. \. Miller, John 
C. Mills, S. R. McKeehan, r:d. B. Reed, A. H. Gars>es, and Clarence 
Baxter. 

The city has been al)l<> at different times to make contracts with 
the electric light company for street lights. From 1888 to 1894, and 
from 1898 to 1908, such contracts were maintained. The voting out 
of the licensed saloons in 1894 and in 1907 resulted in the discontinu- 
ance of public street lights. The state of the city's finances was such 
as to make it impossible to do otherwise. If the state laws did not ham- 
per the cities in their tax levies and assessment rates, it would not follow 
that when the saloon licenses were cut off the street lights would have to 
be shut off too. 

The Kirksville (!as. Heat and Electric Company was incorporated 
in February, 1905, with a capital stock of $50,000. The franchise was 
granted to the company by a special election held on October 10, 1905, 
by a vote of 361 to 321. The franchise permits it to generate electricity 
and maintain a pul)lic heating plant, but it has confined itself to the 
work of manufacturing gas for heat and illumination. The plant is 
located just southwest of the Wabash depot. The present officers are 
B. F. Henry, President; C. S. Sands, Secretary: W. P. Foster, Treas- 
urer; P. D. Schoonmaker, Superintendent. Extensive improvements 
are now going on, so that the capacity of the jilant will be more than 
dou}:)led as soon as they are completed. 

The first telephone line installed in town was a private line from 
Mr. W. T. Baird's bank to his residence. It was put up in July, 1881, 
and was indeed a very curious affair. There w^as no bell attachment 
for calling anyone to the phone. Instead, there was a little wooden 
mallet which was used to strike the transmitter. This would make a 
sound upon the phone at the other end of the line and thus the call 
was made. Mr. Baird still has the mallet which he used. 

Within a year other similar private i)hones were put in by Dr. 
Coe, Dr. Grove, Henry & Hooper, N. A. Baylor, A. Dutcher, and the 
Graphic office. It seems as though each line connected only two points, 
and no intercommunication was possible between the phones of differ- 
ent lines. 



358 The History of Adair County. 

Aljout 1890 a local telephone company was formed in Kirksville, 
by Kennedy, English and Haley. Several changes were made in the 
membership of the company, but Mr. J. M. Kennedy remained in it 
until the system was sold to the Missouri and Kansas Telephone Com- 
pany in 1905. Meanwhile, the Kirksville company had installed sev- 
eral other exchanges in the county. All of them were bought up by 
the Missouri and Kansas Company. Since this company assumed con- 
trol of the Kirksville exchange it has installed a new system through- 
out, making it entirely modern and more effective. 

About 1890, or i)erhaps a little before that, the city began to 
put in sewer lines for drainage purposes primarily. The outlets 
were in the ravines at the edge of town. The expense of putitng 
these lines in was borne by the city. An effort was made to make the 
property owners pay for one line that was put in, but they refused to 
do so, and the company that put it in sued the city for the cost of the 
line and got judgment. 

The primary purpose of these lines that were laid was to carr>' off 
surface water, but after the city water «ystem was inaugurated in 1894, 
the people l^egan to connect their toilets to these lines. The result 
was than in a short time complaints began to be made by people liv- 
ing in the vicinity of the outlets that they were being injured and dam- 
aged by the use that was being made of the sewer lines. Several dam- 
age suits were instituted, the most important being the Kellogg suit. 
After several trials judgment was rendered against the city for $3,150, 
and this was confirmed by the higher courts. 

The intolerable conditions which had been l)rought about and the 
necessity for a sewer system that would be sanitary and adequate led 
to considerable agitation in favor of a bond issue to install one. A prop- 
osition to issue bonds to the amount of .I*!-! 0,000 for a sewer system was 
submitted on January 23, 1900, and was carried by a vote of 439 to 111. 

It was decided to install a sejitic tank system and the contract was 
let ill due time. A good deal of trouble aros(> betwe(^n the contractors 
and the city treasurer, N. E. Winn, over the iiaynient of the warrants 
issued by the city, but matters were finally adjusted. Later the city 
was made a defendant in a suit l)rought by a company complaining 
that tiu'ir patent had Ix-en infi'inged u])on in the l)uildiiig of the se]> 
tic tanks. The city succeeded in making Lewis i^ Kitciien, the contrac- 
tors, codefendants, and that has practically relieved the city of any 
further responsibility. The case is still ])eii(liiig (1911) in the U. S. 
courts. 



KiKKSVILLE. 359 

Street Paving. — The first paving of the strcc^ts in Kirksville was 
done, as far as is known, in 1885. In tiie fall of that year macadam- 
ized paving was pnt down on the sonth and west sides of the square at 
a cost of $2,200. It does not appear that any other paving was done 
anywhere ih the town until 1891, when the county court agreed to pay 
for one-half of the paving on the north and east sides of the square. 
Thereupon these two sides were paved across the entire width of the 
street. In 1892 Franklin street from the O. K. depot to McPherson 
street, and Elson for about the same distance, were macadamized. 
The cost of the Franklin street paving was said to have been $8,000. 
High street was macadamized from the Christian Church to the Normal 
School in 1895. Other streets were paved in a like manner, among which 
were Normal and Osteopathy avennes. 

The macadamized paving proved unsatisfactory very shortly. It 
was soon worn into ruts which made the streets thus paved almost 
unusable. After much agitation and serious eflFort, paving was begun 
again after a lull of about ten years. The first of the streets to be paved 
during this second period of paving was Jefferson street. This work 
was done in 1906. The style of paving was the bitulithic. Owing to 
the change in grade, many damage suits have arisen out of this paving. 
The other streets that have been paved since 1906 have been i)aved with 
brick. They are High, from Normal to Washington; Mulanix, from 
'Normal to Hickory; Franklin, from the O. K. depot to the southern 
end of the street; Elson, from Washington street to Jefferson street; 
Harrison street from Elson west to the cemetery; Normal avenue, 
from Mulanix to Franklin; Osteopathy avenue from Jefferson south 
to the end of that street. 

Post Office. — Just when a post office was established at Kirks- 
ville is not definitely known. The town Avas laid out in 1841, but it 
is evident that it was at least late in 1842 before a post office was estab- 
lished in the town. The evidence is in the election returns made by 
the Circuit and County Clerk, David James, in August, 1842, to the 
Secretary of State. In those returns he asked that all communications 
to the Adair County Court from the Secretary of State, be sent to the 
nearest post office, Bloomington, Macon County. Just how long this 
arrangement lasted is not known. 

The first postmaster was Jesse Kirk, who also kept a tavern near 
the present Willard school. The postmasters from the first to the pres- 
ent, with the years when they began to serve, are given as follows: 



Efa ^ 

< s 





(/5 

e 
o 

e 



2 

3 



C9 

fa 
S 

e 



362 



The History of Adair County, 



1842 (?)— Jesse Kirk. 
1846— John T. Smith. 
1850— Thomas B. Howe. 
1851— J. C. Thatoler. 
1855- R. M. Pareells. 
1859— A. S. Pierce. 
1861— Alex. Sherwood. 
1865— A. Morris. 
1870— S. F. Miller. 
1874— D. S. Hooper. 
Until 1905 the post office was kept in rented buildings and was 
frequently moved from place to place. In 1873 it was on the south 



1878- 


-D. S. Hooper. 


1882- 


-J. D. Miller. 


1886- 


-Geo. T. Spencer. 


1889- 


-E. C. Pickler. 


1894- 


-D. C. Pierce 


1897- 


-C. A. Hamilton. 


1902- 


-R. D. Hamilton. 



1906— F. M. Harrington. 
1909— F. M. Harrington. 




KiRKSviLLE Post Office Building. 



side of the scpiare, two doors west of Baird's bank; in 1876 it was 
moved to a brick building at the rear of the Baird bank; in 1889 it was 
moved to the north side, and in 1898 it was moved to a room just east 
of the northeast corner of the square. There it remained until the 
present government building was erected on the corner of I'ranklin 
and McPherson in 1905. Some time in 1902 or 1903 Congress appro- 
priated .S35,000 for a post office building in Kirksville. The appropri- 
ation was largely due to the efforts of Congressman James T. Lloyd, 
Representative of the district of which Adair County forms a part. 
At the same time ajjpropriations were made for similar buildings in 



KlRKSVILLE. 363 

other towns in the state, among which were Columbia, Hannibal and 
Mol)erly. A ))ig scandal arose over the methods alleged to have been 
employed by the government agents who determined the sites of these 
various buildings, and the matter was taken into the courts, without, 
however, any final convictions. 

The rank of a post office depends upon the amount of business 
transacted by it during the fiscal year. It would be of interest to 
know just what the business was from year to year since the office 
began, but that is not possible. However, we are able to compare the 
business of 1875 and of more recent years. In 1875 the receipts from 
the sale of postage were !*^8, 576.67; in 1905 they were .'isl8, 850.08; 
in 1910, $22,881.95. 

The increase in the amount of business has been marked 
since 1895. In that year the office was raised to second rank. The 
increase in business has been largely due to the Normal School and 
the American School of Osteopathy, which have been drawing larger 
and larger number of students to town from year to year. 

In 1895 the salary of the postmaster was raised from $1,900 to 
$2,000. It is now $2600. 

Prior to the building of railroads into Kirksvillc, all mail came by 
stage. Daily mail was something unknown in those days. The sched- 
ule of arrival and departure of mail stage coaches which appeared in the 
Kirksville Journal for July 2, 1868, gives some idea of the mail facilities. 
The schedule was as follows: 

Macon and South — Leave Kirksville, Mon., Wed. and Fri., 7 a. m. 

North — Leave Kirksville, Mon., Wed. and Fri., 7 a. m. 

Edina — Leave Kirksville, INIon., Wed. and Fri., 7 a. m. 
Arrivals in Kirksville on alternate days. 

Clarence via Shelryville — Leave Kirksville on Mon.; arrive 
on Wed. 

Milan and Intermediate Points — Leave Kirksville on Thurs.; 
arrive on Sat. 

Linderville — Leave Kirksville when can-iin- comes in, say once 
a week or semi-occasionally. 

It may l)e well to note that two days after the a])])earance of this 
issue of the Journal which contained the above schedule, the North 
Missouri Railroad (now the Wabash) was completed to Kirksville, and 
daily mail from the south was then established. It may also be noted 
that in all probability the mail facilities wTre much Ijettcr when the above 
schedule was in force then in the earlier days. 



364 The History of Adair County. 

From the days when raih'oads reached Kirksville, the post office 
here has been the center from which manj^ star route Unes radiated. 
In 1876, accordino- to the North Missouri Register for March 9 of that 
year, there were thirteen postoffices in the county which were off the 
railroads. They were Floyd's Creek, Wihnathville, Prairie Bend, Wil- 
son, Zig, Linderville, Nineveh, Shibley's Point, Sloan's Point, Ida, 
Ringo's Point, Sand Creek, and Adair. Most of these offices received 
mail. either weekly or semi-weekly each way. This means that once or 
twice a week many mail coaches would leave Kirksville and pass through 
these country post offices and then through others in adjoining counties 
until they reached their destination in some distant county, and then 
return to Kirksville. In this way most of the country post offices in the 
county got mail once or twice a week each way. 

The star mail routes have been largely done away with in the last 
few years in the more settled portions of the county, and rural free de- 
liveries have taken their places. In September, 1902, five rural free 
delivery routes were inaugurated running out of Kirksville. Since then 
two others have been established. As a result of this several country 
post offices have been discontinued, among Avhich are Clay, Sperry, and 
Bullion. 

There are three rural free deliveries out of Novinger, four out of 
Brashear, two out of Stahl, two out of Yarrow, and one each out of 
Gibbs and Youngstown. 

Free delivery was inaugurated in Kirksville on July 16, 1898, under 
C. A. Hamilton. There were then three carriers. The number was 
later raised to four. There are emjiloyed in the Kirksville post office 
five clerks besides the Postmaster, Assistant Postmaster, and four free 
citj'^ carriers. 

Cemetkries. "The first cemetery in the town was started in 1842, 
near where the Friedman-Shelby shoe factory now stands. That tract 
of land belonged then to David E. Sloan. He died in 1842 and was 
buried on his own place according to his rcMjuest. Subsequently others 
in his family wei'c buriecl there anil some outside of the family also, 
though it was never intended to make out of the place a public burial 
ground. There are a few of the grave slabs lying on the ground yet, ])ut 
many of the bodies have been removed and buried elsewhere. 

The first cemetery which became a pul)li(' burial ground is the one 
west of the northwest corner of the s(]uar(\ Tradition accounts for its 
location there by way of a story to the effect that a traveler died while 
stopping over in Kiiksx-illc and was l)uried in a tract of land which in- 



KlRKSVILLE. 365 

eluded the present cemetery. On August 31, 1840, Jesse Kirk, the man 
after whom Kirksville was nanKnl, was buried near where the above m(>n- 
tioned traveler had been hiid. From that time on this tract became a 
cemetery and has been used continuously ww since. 

Several additions have l)een made to this cemetery. In 1878 
Judge A. Slingerland laid off a portion of what was known as the Llew- 
ellyn Grove as an addition to the cemetery on the north. In 1890 .lud-j;*' 
Jacob Sands laid off another addition. 

Nature has done much to make this cemetery a beautiful spot. 
The long ridges, the deep valleys and the forest trees give it a pleasing 
pictures(]ueness. It has been kept in order for many years by the La- 
dies' Cemetery Association, to whom the town of Kirksville owes a great 
debt for their untiring and unselfish devotion. In addition to the keep- 
ing up of the cemetery itself, this association has secured the paving of 
the street leading to it from the sciuare and has assumed heavy financial 
obligations for the paving that was done within the cemetery itself. 

In 1895 the Highland Park Cemetery Association was incorporated 
with a capital of $40,000. It was composed of C. R. Tinsman, E. C. 
Bestman, John C. Baird, and Chas. Grassle. This association bought 
forty acres at the end of Normal avenue from R. M. Brashear, and pro- 
ceeded to open this tract up for burial purposes. Mr. Brashear began 
aluiost immediately a suit to recover the land on the ground that it had 
been acquired ostensibly for other purposes. He did not win the suit. 
Many persons have been buried there, but up to the present the former 
cemetery has been more generally used. 

Business Firms. — The honor of being the first storekeeper in 
Kirksville belongs, it is said by some, to John T. Smith, and by others, 
to Buck Townsend. Smith's store stood opposite the present Pool 
Hotel, and Townsend's store was near the present Wabash depot. A 
man by the name of Pay ton opened up the third store. Just when 
these places were opened up is not known. 

In May, 1846, J. C. Thatcher & Brother of Macon, started a store 
in Kirksville, but they returned to Macon in the following December. 
In 1850 Mr. Thatcher resumed business in Kirksville, and a few years 
later built a building on the northeast corner, which was burned in 
1873. In 1846 Ben Murphy kept a saloon in a place west of the present 
Willard Hotel building. 

In 1852 Albert Page began business in Kirksville. He was suc- 
ceeded by Madison J. Downing. Boone, Samuels & Carroll is the name 



366 The History of Adair County. 

of another firm existing prior to the war; Wacldy Thompson is also said 
to have been in business prior to 1861. 

During the war period L. M. Reed opened up a store in Kirksville, 
as did also W. B. Harlan. In 1865 R. M. Ringo and A. L. Woods car- 
ried on business in the Thatcher building, which stood on the southeast 
corner of the square. In 1864 Jos. Baum & Brother started a store on 
the west side. 

In 1866 the Kirksville merchants and professional men were ar- 
ranged around the square as follows, commencing at the southeast cor- 
ner and going north: Brewington Bros, occupied the lower story of 
the Linder building, which stood on the southeast corner of the square 
where Myers Bros.' shoe store now is; in the second story were the 
county offices and the Kirksville Journal office, and the third story was 
the Missouri Lodge hall. Williams & Dennis, land agents, and a law- 
yer named Ghormley, occupied a building east of the Linder building. 
On the southern end of the east side of the square was a butcher shop, 
with a tailor shop above. Next door to the north was the banking firm 
of Stebbins and Porter, of which Mr. W. T. Baird was the cashier. 
North of the bank was the store of Pickler & Son, dealers in groceries 
and dry goods. Beyond them was Boone & Carroll's one story frame, 
then a landmark of the old town. In the frame building originally built 
by R. M. Ringo, (but owned in 1866 by T. C. Parcells,) Knight & Parcells 
occui)ied the first fioor; the probate office and the offices of H. F. Mil- 
Ian and of Harrington & Cover were on the second. The next building 
to the north was occupied by John Coop's grocery, and then came Jos. 
Baum's dry goods store. 

On the northeast corner of the square was Brown & Fitch shoe shop 
in what was then a new one-story frame house. 

. On the north side was the old LTnion Hotel, concerning which it 
was said that the new addition on the west contrasted strangely with 
the old house. On the first floor of the addition was the hardware store of 
]M. B. Light, and the dry goods store of A. P. Willard; on the second 
floor were the offices of Pierce & Griggs, and of W. L. Griggs, attorneys 
at law. The other firms on tliis side were McKay & Stewart, and Pol- 
lock Bros.' luml)er yartl and cabinet house. 

On the west side were Richter & Co.'s drug store and the Merchants' 
Union Express; a tinshop and stove store in two new buildings; Sloan 
& Parcells; a saloon; Wilcox & Jamison's grocery antl furniture store; 
G. R. Brewington's saddlery and iuirness shop; Ludwig Baum's clothing 
store; Brown's luiiness shop; Powers & Acher; A. Hart & Co.; Scott 
& Dulany's bakery; Ilgenfritz's grocery; Lane & Willians' drug store; 



KiRKSVILLE. 367 

post office, Dr.W'.W. Royal's offic(>; .Jacobs & Holers' bakery; D. Baird's 
marble shop. 

It is not known what merchants were located on the sonth side 
in this year. 

A circular letter of the Adair County Immigrant Aid Society sent 
out in July, 1867, gives the following sununary of the town: "1 bank, 
9 dry goods stores, 4 drug stores, 3 grocery stores, 2 tin and hardware 
stores, 2 meat markets, 6 physicians, 14 lawyers, 4 preachers, 2 churches 
with 4 congregations, 1 seminary, 1 town hall, 3 real estate agencies, 1 
brewery, 3 boot and shoe shops, 3 saddle and harness shops, 1 marble 
yard, 3 milhnery and dressmaking shops, 1 steam plow factory, 1 jewelry 
and watch-making store, 2 livery stables, 4 hotels, a number of private 
boarding houses, 2 insurance offices, 1 barber shop, 1 picture gallery, 2 
paint shops, 5 plasterers, 15 carpenters, 4 blacksmiths, 5 brick and stone 
masons, 2 cabinet and furnitute stores, 2 merchant tailors, 1 gunsmith 
shop, 1 dentist, 2 brick yards, 1 Masonic lodge, 1 Odd Fellow lodge, 1 
Good Templar lodge, 1 Legion of Honor, and 1 newspaper and job 
office." It was further said that during the past building season twelve 
business and thirty-five residence buildings were erected. 

In March, 1876, the North Missouri Register published the follow- 
ing summary of Kirksville Ijusiness firms: 11 dry goods stores (4 of 
which keep clothing), 2 exclusive clothing stores, 13 grocery stores, 3 
boot and shoe stores, 4 boot and shoe manufactories, 2 furniture stores, 

2 undertakers, 2 jewelry stores, 2 l:)akeries, 3 hardware stores, 3 photo- 
graph galleries, 2 l)anks, 4 drug stores, 4 millinery stores, 2 gunsmiths, 

3 lumber yards, 2 harness and saddlery establishments, 3 wagon shops, 
5 meat markets, 1 book store, 1 cigar factory, 2 livery stables, 7 black- 
smith shops, 1 tailor shop, 6 dressmaking shops, 1 flour and feed store, 
2 marble shops, 1 toy store, 2 restaurants, 2 saloons, 1 wholesale liquor 
store, 4 barber shops, 1 confectionery store, 5 hotels, 1 hide and wool 
store, 2 real estate agencies, 3 grain warehouses, 2 hay presses, 2 tinware 
manufactories. There were enumerated 11 lawyers, 9 physicians, 3 
dentists, and many carpenters, plasterers, painters, etc.. "to fill the l)ill 
and make the list complete." 

In the Democrat for January 7, 1886, a complete list of the Kirks- 
ville merchants and their location around the square is given. It may 
be a matter of historical interest to rt'produce that list here. It is as 
follows : 

Dr}' Goods: Doneghy Bros., west side; J. F. Whitacre & Co., west 



368 The History of Adair County. 

side; Jo*. Baum, north side; S. M. Pickler, east side; Brewington & 
Fowler, east side; Hope & Co., south side; B. F. Lamkin, south side; 
N. A. Baylor, south side. 

Clothing: John L. Porter, west side. 

Merchant Tailors: J. J. Edmiston, southeast of square; AV. G. 
Cochrane, west side; J. Fowler, north side. 

Milliners: W. C. Browning, south side; Mrs. Leach, west side; 
Miss Lina Collins, south east of square. 

Jewelers: Hart & Miller, north side; A. Dutcher, south side;0. S. 
Bright, southeast of square. 

Shoemakers: Robt. Lorenz, Ellis street; W. L. Smith, Ellis street; 
B. F. Ilgenfrtiz, southeast of sc^uare; J. H. Hunter, northeast of square. 

Harness and Saddle Shops: Eckert & Son, west side; P. J. Brown, 
north side. 

Grocers: Wm. CJibbons, southeast corner; Cross & Moore, east 
side; Willard & Evans, east side; L. A. Willard, east side; Montgomery 
& Bielby, east side; Halladay Bros., north side; Pollock & Thompson, 
north side; Murphy Bros., north side; D. C. Pierce, west side; Jno. 
T. Hannah, west side; Robt. Lorenz, southwest of square; J. B. Caskey, 
southwest of square; J. H. Markey, southwest of square; H. P. Ellis, 
south of square; Jas. A. Hope, south side. 

Hides: S. Jones, south of square. 

Hardware: Carothers & Green, east side; Becktol it Snyder, 
northeast corner; Robt. Clark, west side. 

Druggists: W. G. Font, west side; F. A. Grove, south side; J. (t. 
Jamison, south side; T. R. Fowler, west side. 

Grain, Stock and Machinery: Kennedy & Link, west of square; 
Brassfield & Kellogg, near Wabash depot; M. L. Beeman, west of square. 

Coal, Wood and Feed: Jno. L. Porter (Ice), corner of ]\Iissouri 
and Ellis streets; Swigert & Fusselman, north of square; J. N. Dodson, 
south of s(]uare; H. P. Elhs, south of square. 

Blacksmiths: G. T. Spencer, south of P. 0.; M. Prickett, south 
of P. O.; J. McDonald, McPherson street; M. M. Beeman, west of 
square; Tj. Watson, west of square; (). H. Beeman, west of scpiare; 
Sam Lichty, northwest of square; D. Wais, northwest of s(iuar(\ 

Livery Stables: T. E. Graves, south of square; Lee Bros., brick 
l>arn; Henton & Miller, west of square. 

Lumber Yards: V. Miller, west of square; Lee & Jamison, south- 
east of scjuare; Douglass & Son, southwest of square. 

Photographers: H. G. Parcell, north side; J. D. Redding, south 
of square. 



KiRKSVILLE. 369 

Meat Markets: J. D. Redding, south of scjuare; .liio. Davis, east 
of square; Jas. Osenlmugh, south of square. 

Sewing Machines and Organs: J. H. Morris, east of s(|uare; W. 
A. Adams, opposite P. O.; D. S. Guipe, south side. 

Second-hand Store: Burt & Gerry, east side. 

Furniture & Undertakers: P. M. Smith, northeast corner; Henry 
Bestman, east side. 

Variety Wood Works and Grist Mill: A. L. Holmes, north side. 

Foundry: G. W. Loomis, near "O. K." depot. 

Of the firms named in the foregoing list only three persons are still 
in business in the same line at the present time. Thej'' are G. R. Brew- 
ington, Mrs. Leach, and B. F. Ilgenfritz. 

A census has been made of the business firms on or near the square 
in 1911, and some effort has been made to find out how long they have 
been running and who their predecessors were in case they followed 
other firms. These facts have not been ascertained for all the firms, but 
what has been gathered is here given. The list begins at southeast 
corner of square and passes around the square, first going north: 

Myers Bros.: shoes; successors in 1908 to New Shoe Store owned 
by Miss Harvat. 

J. S. McKeehan: drugs; began in 1904. 

R. B. Davis: dry goods and notions; began in 1909. 

Thomas Jewelry Co.: successor to Thomas & Sands in 1890; orig- 
inal firm, B. W. Sands; later Thomas & Sands. 

W. A. Goodwin: groceries; successor in 1909 to Shade Grocery Co. 

Palace Bakery: original firm, Sohn & Berger; began in 1897; fre- 
quent changes in proprietors; present owner, J. D. Bondurant. 

Grassle Bros.: hardware; successors in 1901 to Farmer & Son; 
original business started by unknown firm about forty-five years ago. 

Joe Crist: dry goods and notions; began in 1897. 

D. C. Burchett: jewelry; began in 1907. 

Kirksville Drug Co.: original proprietor, H. J. Rankin, who began in 
1895; now owned by W. W. Carper. 

Rinehart Music Co.: began in 1907. 

Starr Drug Co.: successor in 1909 to W. H. Smith; original firm. 
Smith & Duncan who began in 1889. 

H. Bamburg: clothing; successor in 1909 toBaml)urg & Fischel, who 
began in 1904. 

Kirksville Trust Co.: began in 1906. 




■n 

< S 

o z. 



KiRKSVILLE. 371 

R. M. Miller & Co.: tlry soods and notions; original firm, Schus- 
ter & Co. 

O. M. Griffith: groceries; began in 1897. 

G. E. Underhill: millinery; began in 1896. 

Adams & Sons: hardware; began in 1910. 

Murphy, Mills & Garges: clothing; successor in 1902 to Murphy 
& Mills, who began in 1899. 

Miss Grace Smoj^er: millinery; began in 1906. 

Helme Hardware Co.: successor in 1893 to Cole & Darrow. 

New York Candy Kitchen: began in 1905. 

National Bank: began in 1891. 

Blakely & Underhill: groceries; successor in 1910 to F. A. Adams, 
who had begun in 1900. 

C. A. Robinson Mercantile Company: dry goods and clothing; 
original firm, Rol)inson, Steer & Jackson who began in 1889; incorporated 
under present name in 1907. 

Robert Clark Hardware Co.: hardware; successor to Robert Clark, 
who liegan in 1869. 

J. I. Fowler: shoes; began in 1904. 

McKeehan & Reed: drugs; began in 1894. 

Tallman Music Co.: began in 1910. 

Wissler Novelty Co.: notions; began in 1909. 

Ewing Drug Co.: successor in 1909 to Font Drug Co.; original 
firm, W. G. Fout, who began in 1874. 

Beehive Restaurant. 

Kirksville Savings Bank: began in 1873. 

E. E. Price: groceries; successor in 1910 to Given Bros. 

H. H. Davidson : shoes ; successor in 1901 to Davidson & Deland, who 
began in 1899. 

Shacklett & Bondurant: notions; successor in 1910 to Willis Six, 
who had begun in 1905. 

Porter, Wren & Co.: dry goods; successor in 1908 to W. P. Thomp- 
son & Co., who had begun in 1905. 

Normal Book Store: original store was begun at present location 
by B. F. Heiny in 1878; many subsequent changes in proprietors; pres- 
ent owners, Harvat & jNIorris. 

Herboth Clothing Co.: began in 1906. 

Chas. Harrington: jewelry; successor to A. Dutchcr in 1893; busi- 
ness begun originally by Hart, who sold to Dutcher in 1875. 

Henry Drug Co.: successor to B. F. Henry in 1908; original busi- 
ness was begun by F. A. Grove in 1867 or 1868; Henry & Grove from 
1883 to 1890; B. F. Henry from 1890 to 1908. 



372 The History of Adair County. 

Brewington, Thompson & Hunsaker: dry goods; successor in 1908 
to G. R. Brewington, who had ])egun business originally in 1865. 

Citizens National Bank: begun in 1904; successor in 1906 to Baird 
National Bank, which had begun originally in 1864 by Porter & Stebbins. 

The firms south and east of the southeast corner of the square are: 

Mrs. Leach: millinery; began in 1882. 

R. L. Rinehart: newsstand; began in 1900. 

Grand Leader: dry goods; began with Goodwin & Ryan as propri- 
etors in 1899; Ryan retired in 1901. 

C. S. Sands: jewelry; successor in 1898 to Wm. Hart, w^io had 
])egun in lousiness about 1868. 

Kerns & Lorton: groceries; began in 1909. 

Owl Drug Store: originally begun in 1897 by present proprietor, 
W. T. Stephenson. 

Craig & Son: groceries; began in 1894 as Craig & Evans. 

L. W. Vandiver: harness; successor in 1909 to J. H. Kinnear, who 
began in 1870. 

W. F. Sholly: books; began in 1909. 

Democrat: began in 1870 as North Missouri Register, 

C. R. Cowan: second-hand goods; successor to D. C. Oxer. 
Kirksville Plumbing Co.: begun by A. P. Hansen in 1910. 
Burk Brothers: meats; began in 1896. 

The firms on the streets leading off from the northeast corner of 
the scjuare are: 

Sneed Electrical Co.: successor to Sneed & Cobb who began in 
1905. 

D. F. Hayden: monuments; successor to David Baird in 1906. 
Chas. Steiner: bakery; began in 1906. 

J. F. Poage: musical instruments. 

F. D. Maurer: shoe shop. 

T. E. Graves: groceries. 

Jonas Produce Co.: wool and hides. 

Irwin Davis: cornice works. 

The firms on the streets leading off from northwest corner of the 
square are: 

Hennon & Stahl: furniture; successor in 1909 to D. Kent, who had 
begun in 1894. 

Vaughn & Deskin: groceries; l^egun in 1909; original firm began 
by Joe Noble in 1904. 

L. D. Cochran & Co.: implements; original firm, Kennedy & Link, 
who began in 1883; many subsequent changes; present proprietors since 
1908. 



KiRKSVlLLE. 373 

Mills & Arnold: lumhci-; successor in 1008 to V. Miller A: Co., who 
began in 1880. 

The firms on the streets leading off the southwest corner of the 
square are: 

Pool Hotel: Bret Stephenson, proprietor. 

Dockery Hotel: Bret Stephenson, proprietor. 

Central Hotel: Fred Schroeder, proprietor. 

Star Livery: Overfelt & Davis; successors in 1910 to J. H. Overfelt. 

Adair Lumber Co.: successor in 1904 to J. E. Waddill. 

Borneman & Rose: tailors; successor in 1910 to Bell & Rose. 

C. H. Becker: harness. 

E. C. Collop: groceries; successor in 1911 to CoUop Bros. 

Palace Livery: W. C. Summers, proprietor. 

The first hotel in Kirksville w^as kept by Jesse Kirk. This was lo- 
cated near the present Willard School, northwest of the square. 

No other hotels are known of prior to the war except the Garrett 
Hotel, which was built by Robt. A. Garrett. It was later called the 
North Missouri Hotel. It was burned to the ground on December 
12, 1893. 

Another old-time hotel was the St. John's, formerly known as the 
Commercial. This was l)urned March 4, 1885. 

In 1886 there were the following hotels of different sorts: Pool 
Hotel, west of the square, J. S. Pool, proprietor; Parcells House, w^est 
side, H. A. Jackson, proprietor; Ivie Hotel, east side, Mrs. Julia Ivie, 
proprietress; Hecker House, east side, Chas. Hecker, proprietor; Deering 
House; Vandiver House, opposite depot, J. W. Vandiver, proprietor. 

The town now has four hotels for the traveling public; they are the 
Pool, the Dockery, the Central and the Quinlan. Of these the 
oldest is the Pool. It appears that it was originally the American 
House, and was changed to the Pool by J. S. Pool when he leased it in 
1874. The building has been frequently added to and remodeled. 
Among the different proprietors have been Isaac Brenneman and E. B. 
Keith. Bret Stephenson is the present proprietor. 

The Dockery was originally the Leslie. It was considerably en- 
larged in 1904, and has been under the management of Bret Stephenson 
for the last two years. 

The Willard Hotel was built in 187G. It was first known as the 
Parcells House, and for some years after it w^as first built, it was the lead- 
ing hotel in town. S. H. Williams was in charge until 1882. In August, 
1910, Mr. and Mrs Jacob H. ShoUy closed the Willard. They had been in 
the hotel business in town for forty years. As far as is known, they have led 
all hotel people in the town in the length of service in that business. 



374 The History of Adair County. 

The Shrvack-Thoni Grocery Company was organized in Fel^ruary 
1905, and was at first simply a copartnership. In March, 1907, it was 
incorporated with .$20,000 capital stock. R. K. Thom became Presi- 
dent and M. C. Shryack, Secretary and Treasurer. In June, 1910, 
C. C. Givens purchased the stock of Mr. Thom, and the company was 
reorganized with a capital of ;H0,000. C. C. Givens became Presi- 
dent and M. C. Shryack remained Secretary and Treasurer. 

The firm moved into its new three story brick building on North 
Main street late in the fall of 1910. The patronage of this company 
comes from the merchants of Adair and surrounding counties. Three 
salesmen are constantly on the road, and a force of ten men and women 
is required to run the store. 

Besides the business firms in and near the scjuare there are at least 
a dozen or more stores on the outskirts of the town, some of which are 
of considerable size. The bookstores and grocery stores in the neigh- 
borhood of the American School of Osteopathy are of considerable im- 
portance. 

Storms. — The county has been visited by several severe storms. 
The most fearful was the cyclone which destroyed a part of Kirks^■ille 
and killed nearly forty people on April 27, 1899. Some account will be 
given of the various storms as far as anything is known of them. 

The first tornado of which any record has been found occurred on 
April 30, 1866. The greatest damage was done in Polk and Clay town- 
ships, where many fences and buildings were levelled. As far as is 
known no lives were lost. 

On June 7, 1872, a wind storm struck Kirksville and badly damaged 
the roof of what is now known as Baldwin Hall of the Normal School; 
at that time this building was in an unfinished condition, and the storm 
considerably delayed the work of comi)leting it. 

The most severe storm prior to the great cyclone of April 27, 1899, 
was the one which occurred on May 30, 1879. The following detailed 
account of this storm as it appeared in one of the local papers, is here 
given in full: 

"The cyclone originated on the (^hariton, ten miles southwest, 
near Dr. John's, just east of Noah Farr's. It began on Long Branch, 
and moved in a northeasterly course, twisting off timber and leveling 
the fences. About one mile from where it started it struck the Widow 
Salisbury's barn, and crushed it into splinters. It crossed the Chari- 
ton, and pounced upon John and Ed. Link's house and wrecked it very 
badly, twisting off trees near by, eighteen inches in diameter. Going 



KiKKSVILLE. 375 

half a mile farther on to Cow Creek it swept down on Mose Hankin's 
house and totally demolished it, sending his household furniture over 
the tops of trees, and scattering his bacon to the f(nn- winds of heaven. 
Near by it leveled to th(> ground Bob Hankin's dwelling and left not one 
stone on top of another. The next house destroyed was Mr. Wallace's, 
who hves opposite Mrs. Samuels, on Big Creek. From this point it 
went careering through the timber, tearing up big trees by the roots 
and breaking others off and scalping the high points, when it spied 
Robert Mercer's dwelling built on the north side of a steep hill. It 
took off the upper part of the house very unceremoniously, bounded 
across and up a ravine, and struck John M. Davis' dwelling, demolish- 
ing it completely. 

"Across the brakes it went, through Capt. Slingerland's pasture, 
and on to J. E. Watson's house with all the fury of the mad, irresistible, 
terrorizing wind demon that it was. Mr. Watson and wife and four 
children and sister, Miss Mary Myers, had gone upstairs to bed, but 
were not yet asleep. They heard a terrible crash, and Mr. Watson 
thought the house had been struck by lightning; then it seemed as if 
they were being carried upward; then came a crashing and falling of tim- 
bers, one of which struck Mr. Watson on the head and rendered him 
senseless; when he revived found himself on the ground weighted down 
with the broken timbers and unable to move. His wife was near him, 
and apparently unhurt. The children were found scattered around 
promiscuously, and the little boy badly bruised, as was also Miss Myers. 
W^atson called for help, but was unable to make the neighbors, who 
lived some distance, hear, and Mrs. Watson had to go and summon 
assistance. It was about an hour before help sufficient arrive to ex- 
tricate Mr. Watson from what came near being a terrilile death. The 
house Avas a two-story frame and strongly built, and yet in ten seconds 
it was completely crushed and torn into shreds almost and scattered 
for several hundred yards around. The fioors were torn up and nails 
pulled out of the sheeting. The roof was entirely demolished, and the 
shingles and sheeting strewn thickly to the northeast for nearly half a 
mile. The flue was broken into sections of about two feet in length; 
tin sheeting was torn off and rolled into a scroll; the bay window was 
thrown to the east and other parts to the west. The floor over the large 
cellar under the main part of the building was entirely removed, leav- 
ing the whole cellar exposed. It is impossible to depict the destruc- 
tion; it was one mass of de])ris with not a post standing. Every piece 
of furniture in the house was broken with the exception of one small 
taljle; beds, clothing and carpets were badly damaged. It was a ruinous 
wreck, wrought in an instant and made complete. 



376 The History of Adair County. 

"What is true of Mr. Watson's house is also true of the others 
mentioned, and the most wonderful part is the escape of all the occu- 
pants without loss of life or serious injury of body or limb. 

"Mr. Mercer's house was built on the north side of a hill, and in 
order to strike it the wind had to swoop down over the brow, which it 
did in good order. The roof was scattered in all directions, and several 
trees near by crushed down or twisted off. The roof from the corn crib 
was blown away. The bridge across the little creek in front of the house 
was carried off; fence posts were broken off or pulled up for the distance 
of 100 yards. Four bee stands were carried away, and were not after- 
ward found. A heavy trunk of l:)ooks was carried from the second 
floor of the house and set down in the yard without injury; an iron 
wedge was picked up from the floor and carried out at the window. An 
idea of the force exerted may be gained from the fact that a ])iece of 
2x4 scantling, about 18 inches long, with square ends, was driven per- 
pendicularly in the ground to a depth of 15 inches. The extreme tops 
of the limbs of a tree about fifty feet from the house were broken ofT 
as though some one had done it with his hands; and the remainder of 
the tree was not hurt. 

"Two hundred yards across the ravine were the ruins of Mr. Da- 
vis' house, a total demolition. The only warning they had was the burst- 
ing open of the south door, followed quickly l),y the crush that leveled 
everything. Mr. Davis was caught under the falling timbers and se- 
verely bruised on the head, left shoulder, left side and lower limb. One 
boy was considerably bruised, but was able to extricate himself. His 
daughter, thirteen years old, was blown about 150 yards, across into an 
adjoining field, but was not seriously hurt. She was so bewildered 
that it took her some time to find her way back, and she said she had 
been dreaming of hunting birds' nests, and wanted to know whose house 
that was and why they built such structures. The other four children 
were scattered about promiscuously, but unhurt. Not a piece of fur- 
niture was left whole, and considerable clothing was lost. 

"The track of the cyclone was not more than 100 yards wide till 
it reached Mr. Watson's house, after which it seemed to spread out 
to double that width. A large rock weighing 1,500 or 1,600 pounds 
in Wash Conner's yard, who lives near the Chariton, was moved some 
distance, and a large sycamore tree was taken up by the roots. 

"It passed through the northwest part of Kirksville, entirely de- 
molishing J. E. Watson's large new two-story dwelling, Mrs. Bagg's 
dwelling and Mr. Prince's dwelling, each one story buildings. 



The History of Adair County. 377 

"It gave Dave Baird's residoncc a close call, lifted the I'oof of S. S. 
McLaughlin's barn, proceeded on its way and struck the earth again 
at Robert Burris', two miles northeast of Kirksville, raising the roof of 
his barn and whirling his wagon through the air a cHstance of 100 yards, 
also blowing down twenty-five or thirty ai)i)le trees, twisting them off 
like tender reeds. 

"The next building in its track was Peter Moore's barn, which it 
threw down, and from there it went to Harve Ginnings' and unroofed 
his barn, and cut down about half of his large apple trees. It also moved 
W. H. Griffith's barn, a short distance this side of Salt River, about 
six feet, and scattered the fences in the vicinity of Salt River in all di- 
rections. It became very much wider about the time it reached Clay 
Township. A great many fruit trees were blown down, which was the 
greatest damage in that section. The orchard just adjoining Floyd's 
Creek, on the hill, was badly torn up." 

On June 5, 1880, a tornado visited the northern and northeastern 
parts of the county, doing great damage. It destroyed fences and 
orchards. William Horton lost his dwelling, barn and smoke-house. 
.He and his wife were somewhat injured. William Crow's new residence 
was lifted into the air. While in the air the floor dropped out and fell 
back to the ground, but the walls and roof were carried off and never 
heard of afterward. The family came down with the floor uninjured. 
Trinity Methodist Church of Clay township was completely demol- 
ished. 

On Friday, April 1, 1892, an all afternoon hurricane damaged a great 
many buildings in Kirksville and blew down many fences and haystacks 
throughout the county. About seventy squares of the tin roofing on 
the Normal School building were blown off. A number of barns and 
outbuildings were wrecked. Many winds and rains continued at in- 
tervals until Sunday night, when the storm developed into a small cy- 
clone accompanied bj^ a torrent of rain. The cyclone struck the south- 
ern part of town and tore through the square and then out through the 
eastern part of town. Many residences in the neighborhood of the 
Wabash depot were twisted on their foundations. The two-story brick 
building on the northeast corner of the square was considerably damaged. 
Two newly enclosed houses in the east part of town were carried off their 
foundations. 

All of these storms pale into insignificance wlu'n compared with 
the awful cyclone of April 27, 1899. The following account is taken 
from the Democrat of Mav 5, 1899: 



378 The History of Adair County. 

"A terrible cyclone visited the city at 6:15 p. m. on Thursday, 
April 27. It had its rise in the southwest and traveled to the north- 
east. It was a regular old funnel-shaped monster. It dipped down to 
the earth about a mile southwest of the Normal School building and 
continued its northeasterly course until it reached Jefferson street, when 
it veered slightly to the north. It then worked back and forth between 
Washington and McPherson streets, and passed out of town over Judge 
Ellison's place on Baltimore street and over the Kellogg place a little 
farther east. Its pathway was through the eastern portion of the city 
and was fully six hundred feet wide. 

"It is difficult for any pen to picture the desolation wrought. With- 
in five minutes one thousand people were homeless, while the dead and 
injured were scattered in all directions. 

"It was a characteristic twirler, and came upon the town without 
warning. A Democrat reporter noticed the cyclone as it was first gath- 
ering force. It was south of town and high in the air. The funnel 
dropped down toward the earth as it neared the southern limits of the 
city, finally touching the earth with a leap and commencing its work of 
destruction. 

"Cal. Little's house on the hill right south of town was the first to 
meet the violence of the storm. The place was blown to atoms, and the 
family left bruised and bleeding from numerous injuries. 

"The violence of the wind seemed to increase as it progressed on- 
ward, and the path of destruction became wider and wider. Just east 
of the Normal School campus forty houses were blown to the ground. 
Then came an open space for several blocks, when the wind playfully 
uprooted great trees and hurled them high in the air. The storm ap- 
proached the more thickly settled residence portion with a bound. The 
startled people heard the awful roaring, grinding, tearing sounds, and 
to them it appeared as if all the powers of destruction were at work. 
Many of the victims did not even have time to run into their cellars. 
"Citizens outside the path of the storm watched its onward 
rush with agonized hearts. Many ran towards the devastated districts 
while the cj^clone was venting its fury, in order to commence immediately 
the work of rescuing the dead and injured. 

"The storm was deliberate in its work, and all eye-witnesses agree 
that it Avas apparently at a stand-still two or three times. The terrific 
work of destruction, however, continued on all sides. The cyclone 
moved to the west once and men Avho were running to the work of res- 
cue stopped and called to their companions to seek places of safety. 
Their fears, however, Avere soon allayed, as the storm passed to the 



KiKKSVILLE. 



379 



nortlieast. Sppctators of the storm were awe-stricken hy the awful 
grachiour of the scene. At one time a house was seen saihnji; high in 
the air. The house was intact and it went uj) fully a thousand feet 
before it disappeared by being expkxhnl into numberless fragments. 
Houses collapsed into kindling wood as if by magic. Those who passed 
through the ordeal say that it seemed as if their houses were torn asun- 
der by some powerful suction force. 

"Within five minutes after the storm the work of rescuing the vic- 
tims was commenced. Several hundred citizens worked all Thursday 




East Washington Street, Kirksville, after the cyclone of April 27, 1899. 



night in the debris and many ghastly sights were unearthed. To add 
to the horror of the hour and the discomfort of the injured and dying, 
a frightful wind and rain-storm came up within twenty minutes after 
the cyclone passed. This, of course, greatly retarded the work of relief, 
but it was continued." 

Those who were killed outright, or as the result of injuries, were: 
Theo. Brigham, Mrs. Henry Billington and daughter, Mrs. A. R. Bow- 
man, Baby Billington, Miss Lillie Cunningham, Seth Feather (aged 
four years), A. J. Glaze, Mrs. A. J. Cdaze, Mrs. \Y. W. Green, Miss 
Bessie Green, Dr. W. B. Howells, John G. Kirk, Florence Lowe, Nettie 
Lowe, Babe Lowe, J. B. Larkins, Miss Georgia Lainge, Mr. and Mrs. 
Cal. Little, Miss Lewis, Mrs. John Mahaffy, INIrs. Anna Miller (aged 



380 The History of Adair County. 

ninety-eight), Mrs. Blue Pancott and baby, Mrs. Rorabaugh, Mrs. F. K. 
Sherburne, John C. Weaver, Leona Whaley, Mrs. Joe Wood, Miss Wood. 

Some of the things that happened during the storm were indeed 
most peculiar as well as sad and distressing. An account of a few of 
them, as taken from the Democrat and the Journal, will reveal still 
further the awfulness of the disaster. 

Mrs. Blue Panchott and her baby were killed outright. She was 
found with her head severed completely from her body and with her 
dead baby clasped in her arms. The awful agony of the young hus- 
band on discovering the situation was something that beggared de- 
scription. 

Mr. and INIrs. Glaze, a well-to-do elderly couple, lived in a beauti- 
ful cottage on the corner of Harrison and Baltimore streets. They saw 
the storm coming, and clasping each other in their arms, they were 
crushed under the wreckage of their home. Two thousand dollars were 
found sewed in the clothing of Mrs. Glaze. 

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lowe were on their way home north of town 
when the storm came up. They tried to reach the house before it broke 
upon them Ijut failed. They had the awful experience of seeing their 
own home destroyed as they neared it and then of finding their three 
children dead in the debris. 

Mrs. Patience Hill, aged seventy-one, was caught up and thrown 
into the air and sustained a broken leg and bruises. 

Mrs. Bullock was saved from serious injury by being covered over 
with hay, which l)roke the force of the timbers that fell upon her. 

Theodore Brigham was carried hundreds of feet away from his 
home and smashed face downwards into the ground. His wife was 
badly injured, and his son, Vernon, was badly bruised. 

P. J. Rieger was on his way home when he saw the storm coming, 
and just got in in time to take his family to the cellar. His house was 
completely demolished. 

John C. Weaver's house was reduced to kindling wood, and he him- 
self was killed outright. He was too old and feeble to be taken to a 
place of refuge, and so the family gathered about his chair and waited 
for the end. His sons, Josej^h and Samuel, and his daughter Ella were 
badly hurt, as were also Mrs. Joseph Weaver and child. 

Mrs. Ann Miller, aged ninety-eight, was killed outright. She was 
at the time in good health and would likely hnvv jkisscvI the century 
mark had not this catastrophe happened. 

Mrs. Lew Chase and daughter were alone during the storm and had 
barely enough of their house left to shelter them. All of the houses 
near them were completely demolished. 



KiRKSVILLE. 



381 



Douglas Murphy found a Ijaby in the nnid, and when he i-ublx'd 
the mud off its face, it huiiihcnl and cooed as if to say it was t>;hi(l it was 
ahve. 

Edward Rice was severely injuicd in trying to save his wife and two 
children. His wife was sick in bed. When he saw what the cyclone 
was doing he put his two children in bed with his wife, and covered them 
over with carpets, and then spread himself over them like a hen bi'ood- 
ing over her chickens. The house was torn from its foundations and 
broken all to pieces. A section of it smashed in upon him, but he sup- 




East McPherson Street, Kirksville, after the Cyc),one, April 27, 1899. 



ported it and thus protected his family until help came. The Rice fam- 
ily picture was picked up on a farm just outside of Pulaski, Iowa, sixty 
miles distant from Kirksville. 

A 2x4 scantling w^as driven through and through the l)ody of a six- 
teen-year-old girl. 

J. E. Rieger's law diploma was found in Clay township. A photo- 
graph of Sam Brighton and pieces of wall paper, weather-boarding and 
shingles were found two miles northeast of Batavia, Iowa, eighty-five 
miles from here. 

J. T. Coonfield's house was carried across a ditch and jammed into 
the side of a hill. The family were in the house at the time, ])ut all es- 
caped with nothing more than a shaking-up. 



382 The Histouy of Adair County. 

W. M. Hull's house was lifted from its foundations, but not greatly 
damaged. 

Master Willie Cole discovered a baby under some debris and all 
covered with mud. On being drawn out it lisped "mama." 

J. E. Riegej and his sister Sarah ran from the house and laid down 
in a ditch, but they were soon covered over with timbers. Miss Rieger 
was considerably hurt. 

John Anderson ran with his young baby to a small bridge on East 
Jefferson street and came out unhurt. His wife was not able to reach 
it in time and was badly hurt about the back. 

John ]\lcCaw was thrown across the street. S. M. Rust was car- 
ried seventy-five feet or more as his house was being torn to pieces. 

Wm. Park rushed out of his house with his baby in his arms and 
clasped a tree beside the road. The force of the storm thrashed him 
over the ground pretty severely; the baby was thrust under a pile of 
lumber. Mrs. Park and Mrs. Bryan were hurled around the house and 
thrown into a tree top that lay in the road. 

Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Davis were caught as they sought to escape 
and dashed to the ground, thereby getting badly bruised. 

Jas. W. Sharp and H. T. Billington were in the house opposite the 
house of Mr. and Mrs. Glaze. They were thrown under the floor of 
their house after it had been demolished. 

M. G. Deason was on his way home when the storm overtook him 
east of F. M. Harrington's residence on East Normal avenue. He 
tried to run out of its way, but instead, ran right into the center of it. 
He threw himself across the sidewalk and grasped a fence post, and was 
able to keep his hold only with the greatest difficulty. 

Otis Miller, Jr., and v/ife were severely hurt as their house was blown 
to pieces. Mrs. Volney Johnson, a sister of Mrs. Miller, was badly 
hurt in the foot. The Miller and Johnson houses were among the first 
to be struck. 

Judge Andrew Ellison and his family saved themselves and their 
guests by running to their cellar. They got down into it just as their 
house was blown to pieces. J. F. Waddill and family has a similar ex- 
perience. Their cellar was filled with wreckage, and it was a wonder 
some one of them was not hurt. 

At the house of Mr. Fusselman twenty jiersons are said to have 
crowded into his cellar. Mr. Fusselman was on the steps. He with 
the steps was thrown out into the street unharmed. Mr. French, after 
putting his peoi^le in the cellar, rushed out to aid his son and children, 
l)ut was caught in tlie storm and considei'ablv bruiscnl in the face by the 



KiRKSVILLE. 383 

flying de])ris. One lady was blown into the air and dropped into a mud- 
hole without any injury save bruises. She was conscious all the while, 
and related afterwards how she felt on seeing the tree tops below her. 

One mother was separated from her l)aby and was unable to find it 
until the next morning. It was found alive and well and in the care of 
a friend, much to the relief of the frantic mother. 

Mrs. Rose Webster and her son George were in the southeast room 
of their house and were unaware of their peril until the storm broke upon 
them. Their house was demolished and they were blown from Harri- 
son street to the northeast corner of the Catholic church, a distance of 
300 feet. 

The work of relief began as soon as the cyclone passed, but a regular 
systematic organization was not effected until the next day. 

Mayor Noonan called a public meeting for two o'clock Friday af- 
ternoon. At this meeting executive, finance and relief committees 
were appointed. The executive committee was composed of Mayor 
Noonan, Geo. Spencer, John Caskey, W. F. Englehart, W. R. Holloway, 
C. E. Ross, C. S. Brother, Frank Storm, P. J. Rieger, and Geo. Mc- 
Guire. The finance committee was composed of Dr. A. T. Still, U.Up- 
dyke, B. F. Heiny, R. M. Ringo, S. M. Link, Thomas Dockery, Judge 
Ellison, and R. M. Brashear. The relief committee was composed of 
Major Rombauer, S. S. Evans, B. H. Lowenstein, and Victor Parrish, 

The finance committee put subscription lists into circulation and 
soon began to gather in the money. The relief committee established 
its headquarters in the parlor of the International Bank, and the execu- 
tive committee in the parlors of the Savings Bank. 

Contributions came in liberally from the people in the town and 
county and from all parts of the state and from many places outside the 
state. In all something over $24,000 was raised. The reUef com- 
mittee issued a circular letter which was sent in reply to contributors 
from a (Ustance. It read as follows: "Please accept the grateful thanks 
of all good people of Kirksville for your kind words and helping hand in 
our time of trouble. Many are dead, more are dying. The homeless 
and helpless are everywdiere. Any contributions will be gratefully 
accepted and faithfully applied to the relief of the distressed. Many 
have lost their all and the need is great. May the Lord bless the gener- 
ous, big hearted people who are responding to the cry of the homeless." 

A Ladies' Relief Committee was organized Monday, with Mrs. 
Mayor Noonan as President, Mrs. Dr. Dobson as Vice-President, and 
Mrs. C. E. Still as Secretary, and with one lady from each ward. They 
did excellent service in alleviating distress. 



3S4 



The History of Adair County, 



Trained nurses from Quincy, St. Louis, Ottumwa, and other places 
were brought in to help take care of the wounded. Twenty-five phy- 
cians from nearby towns are said to have come in in response to the call 
for extra medical help. 

The subscriptions from various towns throughout the country 
were as follows: 

St. Louis, Mo $6, 402 . 46 Nevada, Mo $1, 000 . 00 



Ottumwa, la 


425.00 


Macon, Mo 


1,425.00 


St. Joseph, Mo. . . . 


147.00 


Des Moines, la. . . . 


207.35 


Centralia, Mo .... 


65.00 


Quincy, 111 


855.50 


Chicago, 111 


386.00 


Kansas City, Mo.. . 


277 . 55 


Jefferson City, Mo. 


179.00 


Keokuk, la 


527.00 


Hannibal, Mo 


298.35 


St. Joe, Mo 


843.25 


Burlington, Li 


530.00 


Bowling Green, Mo. 


25.00 


Jacksonville, Mo. . 


5 . 00 


La Plata, Mo 


200.00 


Pure Air, Mo 


5.00 


Canton, Mo 


130.00 


Lathrop, Mo 


25.36 


Hamilton, Mo. . . . 


41.12 


Salisbury, Mo 


82.50 


Denver, 111 


16.00 


Slater, Mo 


5.00 


Sturgeon, Mo 


16 . 10 


Mexico, Mo 


139.61 


Memphis, Mo 


500.00 


Lebanon, Mo 


1.05 


Moberly, Mo 


2.00 


Bonaparte, Li 


14.88 


Warrensburg, Mo. . 


200.00 


Eudora, Kan 


5.00 


Lock Spring, Mo.. . 


9.00 


Paris, Mo 


111.50 


Centerville, la 


200 . 00 


Columbia, Mo. . . . 


12.50 


Steelville, Mo 


21.60 


Milton, La 


12.33 


Edina, Mo 


87.25 


Moulton, la 


3.00 


Lexington, Mo. . . . 


131.00 


Pilot Grove, Mo... 


15.00 


Lancaster, Mo 


143 . 00 


Unionville, Mo. . . . 


110.00 


Chillicothe, Mo... . 


122.50 


Louisiana, Mo. . . . 


155.00 


Salem, la 


5.00 


Warsaw, Mo 


12.50 


Trenton, Mo 


19.75 


Powersville, Mo. . . 


5.00 


Jacksonville, Mo.. . 


5.00 


New Florence, Mo.. 


26 . 10 


Martinsburg, Mo... 


5.00 


Kahoka, Mo 


18.00 


Philadelphia, Pa. . . 


25.00 


Greencastle, Mo. . . 


100.00 


Sedalia, Mo 


2.00 


Richmond, Mo. . . . 


134.35 


Helena, Ark 


2.50 


Monroe City,Mo. . 


5.00 


Wardo, Ark 


2.00 


Fulton, Mo 


117.82 


Shakopec, Minn. . . 


5.00 


Brookfield, Mo. . . . 


190.00 


Gault, Mo. 


5.00 


VanBuren, Mo. . . . 


1.00 


Fayette, Mo 


101 .00 


Doniphan, Mo .... 


5.00 


Commerce, Mo . . . 


10.00 







KiRKSV 


ILLE. 




Knox City, Mo . . . 




21.00 


Linneus, Mo 


20.00 


Orchard, Mo 




5.65 


Pot win, Kan . . . . 


5.00 


East St. Louis, 111.. 




100.00 


Reger, Mo 


5.00 


Kirksville, Mo ... 


5, 


114. U 







385 



The relief committee made a complete report showing just what 
was received and what was done with the money. The rei)ort was j)ub- 
lished in the Democrat for May 26, 1899. 

Union Memorial services were held Sunday evening after the 
cyclone at the Christian and Methodist churches. They were impres- 
sive. An immense crowd of citizens attended each of the services. The 
services at the Christian church were conducted by Revs. Chapman, 
Simmons and Ely; those at the Methodist church by Revs. Pierce, 
Bradley and Darby. The pastors of the various churches worked 
faithfully in caring for the dead and dying. 

Thousands of sight-seers visited Kirksville from every direction 
during the next few days after the storm. The railroads ran excursion 
trains to Kirksville, one coming from St. Louis. 

The local G. A. R. post was at the time making preparations to 
entertain the State Department encampment early in May, and in spite 
of the distress that had suddenly come upon the city, went right on with 
its plans and succeeded in carrying them on time and without any 
serious modifications. 

The memories of theawfulexperiencesof the survivors of the cyclone 
serve to this day to frighten many of them on the appearanc^e of the least 
wind. Cyclone caves were constructed in many parts of the town 
immediately after the storm, and some of them are still in existence. 
The twenty-seventh day of April never passes in Kirksville but what 
the memories of that day in 1899 are recalled by all, and by some with 
great sorrow. 

On Sunday, May 28, 1899, a wind storm came uj) suddenly at six 
o'clock and did a great deal of damage to property, but injured no people 
or stock. During the panic and scare that accompanied the storm, 
people plunged into cellars, some of which held water from two to three 
feet deep. It was anywhere to escape the fury of another cyclone. 

Besides wind storms and cyclones, there have been several other 
weather disturbances that have been noteworthy events, some account 
of which follows. 

The Chariton River has frequently overfloAved and has done great 
damage to farms along its banks. On July 1, 1875, a heavj^ downpour 
began and continued for over twenty-four hours. On the following 



386 The Histoky of Adair County. 

iii^ht the rain came in still heavier torrents. The reports were that 
thirteen inches of water in all fell on those two nights. 

As a result the Chariton was soon out of its banks. According to 
the old settlers the river was fully eight feet higher than it had ever been 
since white men began to come to this county. In 1833 John Cain, 
father cf Geo. W. Cain, cut a notch to mark the level reached by the 
river during the freshet of that spring. The level reached by the flood 
of July, 1875, was eight feet and eight inches higher than the other. 
The river was fully two miles wide. 

Quite a number of houses along the liottom were swept away. 
All those living at Sloan's Point were compelled to leave their houses, 
together with nearly all their household goods, in order to save them- 
selves. The family of Wm. Pannabaker, whose house stood on the high- 
est ground at the point, were compelled to take to the roof, from whence 
they were taken in skiffs. The water ran to the eaves of Ed. Otto's 
house, and into the second story of Pannabaker & Tinsman's mill. Sev- 
eral families retreated to the schoolhouse, where they were compelled 
to stay two days without any provisions. On Sunday morning a relief 
party from Kirksville reached them. All train service was suspended 
for four days. 

In July, 1876, the flood was repeated, but not on so large a scale. 
Reports were that the water was not so high liy three feet as the year 
before. 

Every few years the Chariton overflows and causes much damage 
and inconvenience, but no mention has been found of anything as dis- 
astrous as the flood of 1875. The flood of July 1909 was said by the 
old settlers to have been the biggest since 1875. The Chariton bottoms 
were flooded and fifty families had to move from their homes. One 
man was drowned. 

One of the record-breaking snow storms occurred in early Febru- 
ary, 1895. The thermometer registered in the neighborhood of 18 
degrees below zero, and the snow drifted so as to block up the streets 
and the railroads. The O. K. railroad was particularly hard hit. One 
passenger train was snow bound between Kirksville and Knox City 
for three days and three nights. It was related that one of the passen- 
gers was to have been married in Brashear the day after the train got 
stuck and was inconsolable until a conveyance came out a day after the 
wedding was to have taken place and took him on to Brashear. 

The winters of 1880-89, 1889-90, and 1890-91 were extremely mild. 
Tlu^ first snow for tliesc thi-ee years that afforded sleighing fell on March 



KiRKSVILLE. 



387 



7, 1S91. The winter of 1850-51 is said to have been ver}' warm and 
the summer of 1851 very cold. 

^lention has been found of three great sleet storms in the count}-. 
The first occurred some time during the winter of 1848-49. The ice 
was said to have been three inches thick on the level, and hundreds of 
deer were caught. Owing, however, to their starved condition many 
of them w'ere worthless. 

On January 2, 1897, a heavy rain storm set in, and as the rain fell 
it froze. By the following morning ice had been formed almost an 
inch tliick everywhere, and under this heavy weight limbs of trees, tel- 





LooKiNG East ox Pierce Street trom Osteopathy Avenue, After Storm 
OF January 13, 1911. 



ejihone, telegraph and Hght wires and poles were l)roken down. The 
telephone company was the heaviest loser, its loss running about $3,000. 
On January 13, 1911, the storm of 1897 repeated itself, and accord- 
ing to those who saw them ])oth, the latter was more destructive. The 
ice was formed over an inch thick on wires and trees, and the telephone, 
telegraph and light companies were greatly damaged. The streets 
were impassable all over town. 



388 The History of Adair County. 

Mention has been found of at least three great drouths. The first 
was in 1854-55. No rain fell between May, 1854 and the following May. 
All during that winter only one snow fell. In 1894 the prolonged dry 
season cut off the corn crop so that nothing was raised except in the 
bottom lands and what was raised there was scanty. The most severe 
drouth was, however, in 1901. For weeks during July the thermome- 
ter registered in the nineties or above and all vegetation withered. The 
extreme dryness prevented, however, any great amount of sickness. 

Contributions from Kirksville to Sufferers Elsewhere. — 
Kirksville has not only been the beneficiary of generous sympathizers 
in neighboring cities in times of distress, but she has clone her share 
along with other parts of the county in extending help and sympathy 
to those communities far and near that have been visited by great ca- 
lamities. 

To the sufferers from the Chicago fire of 1871 the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church and Sunday School sent $36.35. Perhaps other 
donations were sent by other organizations, but this is the only one 
of which any mention has been found. 

Early in 1875 appeals came from drouth stricken Kansas and 
iSlebraska for help. In response to these appeals $55 was sent to 
Kansas by the Adair County Grange and $28 by two of the churches; 
in addition $41 was sent to Nebraska. 

In May, 1875 the grasshopper plague fell upon the western part of 
Missouri, and the farmers had all their young crops completely destroyed. 
So distressing were the conditions that the Governor of the state issued 
a proclamation asking the people of the state to assemble at their places 
of worship and join in prayer to God to remove the plague. At the 
meeting held in Kirksville at the M. E. Church on June 3, $50 were 
raised and sent to Governor Hardin who later fowarded it to the suffer- 
ers in Bates County. The plague did not reach Adair County or any 
nearby county. 

In 1878 yellow fever raged through the South and claimed its thou- 
sands of victims. Kirksville raised $278.13 and sent it to the relief 
committee Avorking in the plague-stricken districts. 

In 1881 $32.25 was raised in behalf of the forest fire sufferers in 
Michigan. 

The great drouth in Kansas and Nebraska in 1894 produced an 
immense amount of suffering. In response to appeals sent for help, a 
mass meeting was held at the M. E. Church in Kirksville late in Jan- 
uary, 1895, and an executive committee was appointed to secur(> dona- 



KiRKSVILLE. 389 

tions of clothina;, food sui)i)li('s, and cash. Two nOO-pound boxes of 
clothing and supphes, one barrel and sixteen sacks of flour, and about 
$75 in cash were secured and advanced to tlie pro})er authorities in 
the famine-stricken districts. The contributions sent from Brashear 
were about the same as what Kirksville sent. 

The fearful earthquake which destroyed San Francisco in April. 
1906, stirred the nation perhaps as no other single event in its history. 
Millions of dollars poured into that city by sympathizing citizens. 
From Kirksville was sent $1,016.18. The contributions came from the 
following sources: 

Kirksville Lodge, No. 105, Masons S 50 , 00 

Adair Lodge, No. 366, Masons 100.00 

Kirksville Lodge, No. 464, B. P. O. E 50 . 00 

Kirksville Lodge, No. 72, K. P 50 . 00 

Clerks' Union, No. 107 25 .00 

Kirksville State Normal School 72. 18 

American School of Osteopathy 95 . 00 

Citizens' Donations 574 . 00 



$1,016.18 
In July, 1909, all North Missouri was visited by a great flood which 
filled all the river bottoms and destroyed much of the crops. Adair 
County suffered a great deal, but the greatest devastation was done 
in the Grand River bottom in Daviess County. The faculty and stu- 
dents of the Kirksville Normal School raised during the chapel period 
one morning, $119.00, to be sent to the Mayor of Pattonsburg to be used 
in assisting those who had sustained heavy losses by the flood. Among 
the citizens of the town a sum of money was also raised and sent to the 
same community. 

Fires. — A complete account of the destructive conflagrations that 
have occurred in Kirksville would necessarily go back to the earliest 
times, but exact information concerning them begins not earlic^r than 
1865. It is proposed to give here an account of only those that affected 
the business interests of the town, and of these only the most important. 

The first in this list is one of the most important, if not the most 
important, conflagrations in the county. This was the burning of the 
court house on April 20, 1865. An account of this has already been 
given in the chapter on County organization. The loss was irreparable 
in many respects because of the destruction of many official records and 
documents. 



390 The History of Adair County. 

On March 1, 1870, Sloan & Parcell's grain warehouse was destroyed, 
entaihng a loss of $10,000, which was covered by $6,000 insurance. 

On January 31, 1873, the west side of the square was destroyed. 
The fire began near the center of the block in Fowler & Hope's furniture 
store, between one and two o'clock in the morning; it was not discov- 
ered until it had gotten well under headway, and in spite of great efforts, 
the thirteen buildings in the block were all swept away. Had there been 
a wind blowing the prospects are that the fire would have swept scross 
the streets and alleys to other blocks of buildings. The total loss was 
about $30,000. 

On August 24, 1874, the main portion of what had been known as 
Cuml:)erland Academy was liurned to the ground. This building stood 
on the site of the J. A. Cooley residence, long known as the R. ]M. Ringo 
residence, in the north part of town. It was used by the Normal School 
from September, 1867 to January, 1873. It is believed that the fire was 
the work of an incendiary. 

On September 24, 1878, two frame buildings on the east side of 
the square occupied by the City Bakery and Coburn's Shoe Store, were 
destroyed. Extra efforts prevented the fire from spreading. 

On December 3, 1878, fire broke out in the North Missouri Hotel, 
which stood on the west side of Elson street a few doors south from the 
southwest corner of the square. Besides this building another frame 
building adjoining it on the north, was destroyed. The brick building 
which stood on the corner was saved from igniting. The total loss was 
about $8,000. 

On December 27, 1880, fire broke out on the south side of the square 
in either tlie store of Newlon A: (Jranger or of Such & Company. These 
two buildings were consumed together with three other frame buildings 
adjoining; moreover, the fire spread s(juthward across the alley and 
consumed thr(H> l)uil(lings on the east side of South Elson street. 

On March 25, 1882, the distillery in northeast part of town was 
bui'ncd. Thirty barrels of whiskey are said to have been destroyed. 

On .January 27, 1883, four store rooms and one carpenter shop on 
the northeast corner of the square wer(^ burned. When the fire was 
discovered the Boston Store was well under way of burning. Tli(> ac- 
count of the fire in the Democrat for February 1 says that during the 
fire a meeting was held near the scene, and a committee was appointed 
to go over and see whether the fire engine was perfectly safe, and it was 
found that it was. The total lo.ss was about $8,000. 

Within a week after this fire another aiifl more diastrous one oc- 
curred. On February 1 fire brok(> out in D(^an's grocery store, which 



KiRKSVIhLK. 



391 



was ill tli(> Ivic building near the cast end of tlic noi'tli side. Mrs. Ivic, 
who was then ruuninjj; a hotel in tlie n))iK'r i)art of tlie l)uildin<;-, (Uscov- 
ercd the fire soon after it p;ot start(Hl and j2;ave the ahirni. Men rnshed 
into Dean's store to save his stock. While they were at this work, a 
keg of powder cx]:)lodcd and hurled the men out of the l)uildinK, l)lowin<>; 
out the ends and walls of th(^ building. Many men were injured by the 
l^rokcn glass. Among them w(>rc C. E. Ross, Dr. Strickland, \\'u\. 
Hannah, Henry Patterson. Jas. AVhiteacre, G. D. Campbell, .1. Mc- 
Chessney, J. H. Morris, D. E. Goodson, R. D. Magruder, Wallace McKee, 
and A. L. Holmes. Fortimately no one was seriously injured. More- 
over, the fire was confined to one or two adjoining l)uildings. 




The LiNDER Building. 
This building stood on the southeast corner of the square. The fence in the fore- 
ground of the picture enclosed the court house green. 



On July 8, 1883, the Kirksville Flour Mill, owned by Samuel Swi- 
gert and located in the northern part of town, was destroyed by fire. 
The loss was $25,000, with only $8,000 insurance. The fire was evi- 
dently the work of an incendiarj'. 

On June 21, 1884, the Linder building, which stood on the south- 
east corner of the square where Myers Brothers' shoe store now is, and 
three other buildings which adjoined it, were burned. The Linder 
l)uilding was a three-story frame which had been built in 1858, and had 
l^een considered a very fine building in those days. Mrs. Hall's milli- 
nery stock, Shultz's grocery stock, and Drs. Goben and Morrow's office 
were destroyed. The fire stopped at the lirick building on the south. 



392 The History of Adair County. 

On February 19, 1885, two frame buildings on the north side of 
the square were burned to the ground. The brick buildings adjoining 
on either side were saved. Among the l)usiness firms sustaining loss 
was the Parcell's photograph gallery. 

On March 4, 1885, the St. John's House, formerly the Commercial 
Hotel, opposite the depot, was Ijurned. 

On June 1, 1888, the Kirksville Flour Mill, which had just been com- 
pleted only a fe^v months before, was so thoroughly destroyed as to re- 
quire its complete building. 

On March 15, 1890, there occurred one of the most extensive fires 
in the history of the town. About three o'clock in the morning the 
night watchman discovered that B. F. Lamkin's store on the south side 
was on fire. The night was bitterly cold and people responded slowly 
to the fire alarm. The fire engine exhausted four wells, l)ut nothing 
could stop the fire from making its way eastward to the end of the block. 
One Jjuilding west of the Lamkin store was also burned. Lamkin's 
dry goods stock was completely destroyed, and much damage was done 
to Heiny's book stock. Browning's millinery stock, Hannah & Six's 
grocery stock, Butcher's jewelry stock. Grove's drug stock, and Caskey's 
dry goods stock. The First National Bank building, which stood at the east 
end of the block, was destroyed, but the vault was secure, and Mr. Baird 
was able to open up for business in a nearby room that morning almost 
on time. The Journal and the Democrat occupied quarters in this 
block, and both papers lost their files and entire stock. Only three 
buildings were left standing, the Savings Bank building and the two 
])uildings just east of it. The total loss was about $100,000, with in- 
surance amounting to about $55,000. 

On December 30, 1890, occurred the only fire which, as far as is 
known, was accompanied by loss of life. The fire originated in P. M. 
Smith's hardware store on the northwest corner of the square where the 
Kirksville National Bank now stands. The fire spread eastward across 
the street and burned the Masonic building and one other building to 
the east and two to the north. After the fire had gotten a good start 
in the Masonic builcUng the fire wall fell on the Hart and Pickler build- 
ings to the east; the first was crushed like an egg-shell, and the other 
was greatly damaged. At the time this happened several people were 
in the Hart building helping to remove the stock. Volney Hart, son of 
Win. Hart, the proprietor, was killed instantly, and Fred Sweet, N. D. 
Smith, Wm. Price, Wm. Hart and Mrs. Rose Bunker were hurt, some 
of them very seriously. The loss amounted to about $75,000, with 
insurance about $45,000. The county iiad at that time many of the 



KiKKSVILLK. 393 

county offices on the second floor of the Masonic building, but no rec- 
ords were lost. The county offices were immediately r(M)pened in the 
Spencer block south of the Raird bank bnildins- The post office was 
in one of the buildings that were burned, l)ut its contents were removed 
to a place of safety. 

On Deceml)er 12, 1893, th(^ old North Missouri Hotel was Ijurned 
to the ground, together with two or three other frame buildings. Nearly 
all the contents of these buildings were saved, as the firc^ made slow {)ro- 
gress. The hotel was one of the oldest buildings in Kirksville at that 
time. It had been Iniilt some time before the war by Robert A. (lar- 
rett for hotel purposes, and was called the Garrett House for some time. 

On October 18, 1895, the Kellogg grain warehouse, which stood west 
of the depot, was totally destroyed. 

On December 19, 1907, the Wabash depot was completely destroyed. 
This building was a frame building, and had been built in 1895 after the 
old one which had stood on the west side of the track, had been par- 
tially burned on June 1 of that year. 

On April 16, 1911, the ax handle factory building, situated in the 
north part of town, was burned to the ground. It was being used at 
the time b}^ Horton & Lorton as a feed barn. Several head of stock 
were burned, among which were seven horses and two cows. As the 
building had long been a rendezvous for tramps and other irrespons- 
ible parties, it is belived that the fire was started by the carelessness of 
some intruder. 

The destructive fires were more numerous on the square in the sev- 
enties and eighties than since then because the buildings were chiefly 
frame, and when a fire got started it usually kept on going until a whole 
row was consumed. IVIoreover, there was then very little in the way of 
fire jjrotection. A volunteer fire company was organized in the early 
eighties, and various schemes were carried out to equip the men in it 
properly. But the fire engine, which was a hand affair, was able to do 
effective work as long as the water in the four wells at the corners of the 
square held out. The present water works system was not installed 
until 1894. Even after the water system was put in fire protection 
long remained inadequate because of the lack of a paid fire company. 
The volunteer company did all it could with the equipment it had, but 
on many an occasion the company would be slow in assembling and much 
time would be lost in getting a team to take the apparatus to the scene 
of the fire. In 1910, through the efforts of the Business ]Men's League, 
a fire team and a complete fire outfit were purchased, a fire chief employed 



394 The History of Adair County. 

by the city to take care of the team and cUrect the operations of the com- 
pany during fires. 

In the early days the buildings around the square were all frame, 
and it would l)e safe to say that ninety per cent of them were ])urned 
at one time or another. As they were burned l^rick buildings were 
erected in their stead, and in the case of brick buildings that were burned 
still better ones were usually erected. Fires have been, as a rule, bless- 
ings in disguise. The last frame building around the square stood 
where the Kirksville Trust Company building now stands. 

Kirksville has had her share of the destruction of residences by fire, 
but no attempt has been made to record them here. 

Business Colleges. — Kirksville has had several Business Colleges. 
No one has proved a permanent institution. The most ambitious of 




Kirksville Mercantile College. 
Built in 18S3. Remodeled in 1900 and known now as the Harrington Theater. 

these was founded by Mr. and Mrs. Wm. J. Smith in 1882, and was 
known as the Kirksville Mercantile (College. A few words concerning 
this institution will be of interest. 

Mr. Smith was reared in Southeastern Missouri amid poverty and 
much privation. He was never able to attend school until lie was 
twenty-four years old; when he attended his first school he liatl been 
married two years. In 1879 he and his wife went to Keokuk, Iowa, 
where she attended the Business College there, while he worked as a 
janitor at that institution. In 1880 she graduated, and they came to 
Kirksville, where Mrs. Smith hoped to get up a class in penmanship. 
Th(\v met much disappointment and had to endure much hardship. 
Mr. Smith did all sorts of chores and odd jobs about town, and mean- 



KiRKSVILLE. 395 

while tried to secure students in penmanship for his wife. Finally one 
student was obtained, and then others began to come on his recom- 
mendation. As the class grew, arrangements were made for suitable 
accommodations for a writing school. In April, 1881, a brick build- 
ing near the center of the town was leased and the school moved into it. 
The school was then called the Writing Institute, and was under the 
management of Mr. Smith. This grew so rapidly that still larger quar- 
ters were necessary and a commercial department was added to the 
writing or penmanship department. During the year 1881, 132 per- 
.sons enrolled in the commercial department, and the name of the insti- 
tution was changed to Kirksville Mercantile College. 

In March, 1882, Mr. Smith began soliciting for funds to erect a 
suitalile building for his institution. He succeeded in selling al)out 
one hundred life scholardhips at $25 each, whereupon he proceeded 
to erect the building. He purchased a lot at the corner of Washington 
and Normal streets, for which he paid $700 down and gave his note for 
the balance. On April 21, 1883, the cornerstone of this new building 
was laid by the Masonic lodges. In November of that year the build- 
ing was completed. It was a three story brick, 50 by 80 feet in size, 
and included departments for plain and ornamental penmanship, book- 
keeping and actual business, with a capacit}' for 500 students. The 
hall on the upper floor was designed for the use of lectures and entertain- 
ments of various sorts and had a seating capacity of about 600. This 
building has in the last ten years been remodeled and is now known as 
the Harrington Theatre, and is used exclusively for theatrical per- 
formances and public gatherings of various kinds. 

During 1883 the College matriculated 424 persons, and sold 183 
life memberships in the penmanship department and 53 in the book- 
keeping department, for $40 each. 

In March, 1892, a stock company with a capital of $20,000 was 
organized to conduct the College. The shares sold for $100 apiece 
very readily, one hundred and thirty being sold on the first day. The 
Board of Directors was composed of W. J. Smith, W. D. Sigler, J. C. 
Carothers, F. M. Harrington, C. E. Darrow, H. M. Tingley, and B. F. 
Heiny. W. J. Smith was President, and B. F. Heiny, treasurer. In 
February, 1894, Mr. Smith bought out the stockholders and became 
sole proprietor, and in May of that year he sold out to J. N. Dewell and 
J. M. Mumma. 

By April, 1895 the College had run down so that it was practically 
suspended. A number of citizens of Kirksville took the matter in hand 
and put new life into it. An effort was made to sell two hundred schol- 



396 The History of Adair County. 

arships at $50 each on condition that Mr. Smith would resume the 
financial management of the school and honor all scholarships. The 
effort met with sufficient success so that the College was reopened in 
September, 1895. It was, however, suspended permanently in 1896. 
Prof. Smith then studied osteopathy and later left Kirksville. 

The building passed into the hands of F. M. Harrington. He 
afterwards altered it and converted it into the present Harrington 
Theatre. 

The Principals of the College were as follows: 

1884— J. W. Trotter. 1891— V. J. Howell. 

1886— Alice L. Heath (now Mrs. C.W. Proctor.) 1895— J. N. Dewell. 

1888— Geo. J. McDaniels. 

The dates opposite their names indicate when their term of service 
began. 

Kirksville has had several other Business Schools or Colleges be- 
sides this one. The most flourishing was Burke's Business College. 
All of them, hov/ever, were small as compared with the one organized 
b}- Prof. Smith. They had quarters in the second story rooms around 
the scjuare, as a usual thing. 

In 1908 the State Normal School at Kirksville inaugurated a com- 
mercial department under Prof. Mark Burrows. The department is 
))i-imarily, however, for the training of teachers of commercial courses 
in the high schools of the state rather than to fit young men and women 
directly for commercial positions. 

State Teachers Association. — The Missouri State Teachers' 
Association has held two of its annual meetings in Kirksville. The 
first one was held in December, 1872. It was planned to hold this 
meeting in the new Normal School building, but owing to the fact that 
the building had not been completed by that time, the meeting was 
held in the Masonic liall. The second meeting in Kirksville was held 
in December, 1880. The sessions were held in the Presbyterian church. 
The attendance was not as large as was expected. 

Wagner Conservatory. — The Wagner Conservatory of Music 
and Languages was organized in 1893 by Prof. E. M. Goldberg, who 
had formerly been connected with the music department of Stephens' 
College at Columl)ia, Missouri. He has been conducting work in music 
and languages ever since in Kirksville. At times Prof. Goldberg has had 
assistants, but he has generally been the sole instructor. 



KiRKSVILLE. 397 

Literary Societies. — Forty years or more ago, every community 
maintained a singing school or a literary society. These were the means 
of furnishing entertainment as well as instruction. Kirksville was 
well supplied with these institutions. There are many persons who 
recall the singing school conducted by Rev. J. S. Boyd in the Presbyte- 
rian church during the winter of 1870-71, and also the Literary Society 
which was organized by J. M. Greenwood, J. T. Smith, J. A. Tickler, 
and J. W. Halliburton. For occasional diversion spelling matches 
would be held, and during the seventies these matches were held as a 
usual thing, in the Normal School building. 

One of the last old-fashioned singing schools organized in the county 
was that one by Prof. J. R. Howey at Brashear in 1886. He came there 
from Ohio and decided then to locate there permanently. 

There have been many literary and social organizations in Kirks- 
ville, but in all probability the one that has proved most effective in 
its various activities has been the Sojourner's Club. This was organ- 
ized in the fall of 1897. At that time there were several hundred 
patients in Kirksville, many with literary taste and social cravings. 
Mrs. J. B. Foraker of Ohio, who was temporarily residing in Kirks- 
ville with an invalid son, conceived the idea of inviting the patients as 
well as the town women, to her home one afternoon of each week, 
furnishing them with literary entertainment. After several weeks these 
meetings were adjudged indispensable, and the Club was formallj^ or- 
ganized. 

While the motto, "Be not unmindful of strangers," is still the motto 
of the Club, and its original object to furnish social introduction, fellow- 
ship and hospitality to strangers is still adhered to, many other lines of 
work have been taken up. A library was started soon after the Club 
was organized, which has grown into a free library open to the pul^lic 
from nine a. m. until noon each day. 

A year or two later a Home Economics Department was created 
with the object of bettering the conditions in the home, by increasing 
the knowledge in cookery and the household sciences. Twice each month 
a meeting is held for the purpose of study and practical demonstrations 
along these lines. 

The Civic Lnprovement League was the second Department or- 
ganized with the object of improving the civic conditions of Kirksville. 
For several years those in charge of the Department were satisfied 
with giving prizes for the best flower beds, the neatest back yards and 
alleys, and creating a sentiment in favor of Civic Improvement. But 



398 The History of Adair County. 

ill the spring of 1910 the task of keeping the paved streets clean was 
undertaken, and has been successfully done ever since. 

Early in the history of the Club, the promise of two rooms in the 
Court House to l^e used as rest rooms for farmers' wives, was granted 
])y the County Court. They were furnished by the Club and opened 
to the farmers' wives in June, 1902. Thej^ have since been supervised 
and maintained by the Ckib. 

In the spring of 1906 the deplorable condition of Forest Cemetery 
was brought up and discussed at one of the regular meetings. Many 
remedies were suggested and a Cemetery Association was temporarily 
organized that afternoon. Two weeks later at a meeting called by the 
President of the Club, the present Cemetery Association grew out of 
the temporary one and began its work as an independent organization. 

In the fall of the same year the matter of organizing a Board of 
Charities was taken up. The President and a Committee from the 
Club sent request to the ministers and to all the clubs in town asking 
them to send a representative to a meeting at the Court House for the 
purpose of organizing a permanent Board. The Associated Board of 
Charities of Kirksville is the result. 

Aside from the practical work, each year a program in literature 
or history has been planned and carried out. In 1910 the Club began 
working to raise money towards building a Club House and Library 
Building. A lot has been given to the Club for this purpose by Mr. 
and Mrs. Warren Hamilton. The Club holds its weekly meetings in 
rooms in the A. S. O. building, which the authorities have kindly put 
at its disposal ever since its permanent organization. 

Public Amusements. — In the early days the various halls around 
the square were used for whatever amusements that were furnished 
by local or foreign talent. The first building containing a good theatre 
was Smith's Business College. This was opened in December, 1883. 
In 1900 the college building was remodeled by F. M. Harrington, who 
had acquired possession of it, and was made a more adequate theatre 
than ever before. 

The town has for years afforded a lecture course which offered a 
series of lectures and entertainments during the winter months. As 
far back as any mention has ])een found of such a course, it has always 
been held in connection with the Normal School in some way or other. 
For a long time it appears that the faculty of that institution undertook 
to manage the course, but in 1899 the management had passed into 
the hands of the Y. M. C. A.'s of the Normal School and the A. S. (). 



KlllKSVILLE. 399 

The Spring Festival of Music was iiumgurated by the Music De- 
partment of the Normal School in 1909. Some account of this was 
given in the chapter on that institution of learning. 

The Kirksville C'hautau(iua Association was organized in 1900 by 
a numl^er of enterprising and public spirited citizens of the town. The 
purpose was to establish in Kirksville a course of Chautauqua lectures 
and entertainments of various kinds during the month of August. Ar- 
rangements were made from 1906 to 1909 inclusive, for the use of what 
was known then as De France Park, a whole block of land l)etween 
Mulanix and Florence streets and between Jefferson and Pierce streets. 
A big tent was set up on this block and used for the various events on 
the general program. In 1910 the De France Park began to be built 
up, and the Chautauqua Association was allowed to use the Normal 
School campus. Some very prominent national characters have ap- 
peared ui)on the Kirksville Chautauqua platform. President John R. 
Kirk has been the President of the Board ever since its organization, 
and John R. Howey has been its Superintendent. Every year until 
last year, the course has paid for itself. But in 1910 the expenses ex- 
ceeded the income by several hundred dollars. Another course will 
be given in 1911, but it will depend on how well it is patronized this 
summer as to whether it will ])e maintained hereafter or not. 

Old Settlers' Reunions. — There have been at least three Old 
Settlers' Reunions in the county. The first was held at the Fair Groimds 
in Kirksville on October 4, 1889. The meeting was called to order by 
Rev. W. L. Fletcher, one of Adair County's oldest settlers. The open- 
ing address was made by Judge Wesley Halliburton of Milan, on the 
Early Pioneers. After dinner reminiscences were related by Dr. Wm. 
Gates, Rev. Wm. Jones, Rev. W. L. Fletcher, Washington Conner, 
and Elder Russell. The reunion was made somewhat noteworthy by 
the presence of Mr. Garland Moore, of Morrow township, aged 108 
years. It was largely through the efforts of Mr. R. M. Ringo that he 
was gotten out. 

In August, 1890, the second reunion was held at the same place as 
the year before, and a larger crowd seems to have l)een in attendance. 
Among the speakers were Rev. W. L. Fletcher, Rev. J. B. Mitchell, 
Prof. W. P. Nason, Rev. Josiah Wright, Elder U. M. Browder, and Mr. 
Miller of Schuyler County. It was reported that three of the speakers 
selected in 1889 to speak in 1890— Halliburton, Burkhart, and Gil- 
strap — had died before the reunion came off. 

No account has been found of any other reunions except the one 



400 The History of Adair County. 

held on September 22, 1896, at Collett's Grove, six miles west of Kirks- 
ville. It was quite appropriate that the reunion should be held at 
this place, as it was in that vicinity that the first permanent white set- 
tlement was made in this county. The bad weather kept a large number 
from attending, but several hundred people gathered as it was. The 
usual speeches and reminiscences were given by Rev. Fletcher, W. T. 
Baird, John Shibley, Sr., and D. A. Ely. During the day it was fre- 
quently remarked that the reunion was being held on the same spot 
where, in 1840, a big Whig barbecue had been held. 

Missouri National Guards. — Company E, Second Missouri Na- 
tional Guards, was organized at Kirksville in September, 1880, by J. H, 
Kinnear. The organization came as a sort of aftermath to a big sol- 
diers' reunion held in August of that year. During the reunion the 
organization of a company of National Guards was discussed, and the 
result was that a goodly number of veterans were enrolled. The first 
commissioned officers were, J. H. Kinnear, Captain; John A. Richard- 
son, first lieutenant; William McCarty, second Lieutenant; J. M. 
Davis, first sergeant. The next year Captain Kinnear was promited 
to be lieutenant colonel of the regiment, whereupon John A. Richard- 
son was elected captain, with J. M. Davis, first lieutenant, and Charles 
A. Ross, second lieutenant. In 1883 Captain Richardson left the coun- 
ty and J. M. Davis was elected captain. The company comprised sixty 
men and officers. It was disbanded in 1886. 

In 1882 this company was called upon to assist the sheriff of the 
county in arresting the band of men who had rol^bed the Brookfield 
(Mo.) Bank on June 7, 1882. These robbers had taken refuge in a 
house on the Hooper farm in Walnut township of this county, twelve 
miles southwest of Kirksville, on the Chariton River. The sheriff, 
John Shaver, suspected that they had taken refuge there and sent out a 
lot of detectives in the guise of fishermen, who discovered signs of the 
robbers being at the place. They reported to Kirksville as soon as pos- 
sible; whereupon Sheriff Sharer took fifteen men of Company E to 
assist him in arresting the band. Several of the men who were drafted 
to go now tell how they dropped out of ranks the night the>' advanced 
toward the robbers' rendezvous, and stayed hidden in the woods until 
the robbers were arrested and taken away. 

Company C was organized during the S])anish-American War, 
in the spring of 1898. J. R. Musick was cai)tain, J. E. Rieger and Man- 
ville Carothers lieutenants. It became a part of the 0th Regiment, 
mustered for the invasion and occupation of Cuba, but the coni])any at 
Brookfield was sent in its stead. 



KiKKSVILLE. 401 

The present company was organized on January G, 1900, with 
J. E. Riegor captain, Manville Carothers first hcutenant, and Harry 
LaughHn second Hentenant. Other heutenants since that time were 
Ewing, Heiny, Gates, Geo. Reiger, WiUiamson, and Elston, the two lat- 
ter being the present ones. Rieger was succeeded as captain in 1900 
after ten years' service, ]:)y Leo M. Ewing, the present ccjnnnander, 
when Rieger was elected Major of the Foutrh Regiment. 

The present company receives from the State of Missouri armory 
rent, light, fuel, and water, together with rent of a target range. The 
equipment of guns and clothing is received from the U. S. Govern- 
ment. When at camp or on duty in the field, the men receive the same 
pay as do the corresponding grades in the regular army. 

In 1910 the company was called out by Governor Hadley to assist 
in suppressing a strike at Illasco, Mo. During the rioting the company 
was fired upon by the strikers, the men of the company returning the 
fire with vigor, and as a result, the strike was declared off the next day. 

The present strength of the company is fifty-eight men and two 
officers, all conditioned and equipped, and fit for service in defense of 
the Government. 

Business Men's Associations. — From time to time the business 
men of Kirksville have banded themselves together to protect their 
interests and boom the town. In 1891 there was organized the Young 
Men's Business Association. Its twofold purpose was to stimulate 
enterprise and compile statistics concerning Kirksville. W. F. Sholly 
was President and Chas. V. Miller Secretary. 

In 1894 there was organized the Commercial Club. Mr. W. T. 
Baird was the President during the six or seven years of its existence. 

The present business organization, known as the Kirksville Com- 
mercial Club, was organized in 1902. It has been very active in its 
efforts to develop the town. It was instrumental in bringing the shoe 
factory to town and in encouraging other enterprises. It is the first 
organization of its kind to have quarters of its own in which meetings 
are held. 

Mexican War Veterans' LEA<iUE. — The Mexican War Veterans' 
League was organized at Kirksville during a soldiers' reunion on Sep- 
tember 16, 1885. Z. F. Rawson, Fourth U. S. Artillery, was made Pres- 
ident, and John J. Kennedy, Second Illinois Infantry, Secretary. The 
other members were: R. D. Emerson, Third Ohio Infantry; Jas. G. 
Gordon, Inchana and Illinois Infantry; Geo. David Moore, Third Ohio 



402 The History of Adair County. 

Infantry; Frank Metier, First Pennsylvania Infantry; John R. Parrish, 
Fourth Illinois Infantry; D. C. Lord, Fifth Indiana Infantry; James 
Berry, Fourth U. S. Artillery; E. E. Mann, U. S. Battleship Mis- 
sissippi; Michael King, Second Illinois Infantry; Oliver Gerry, First 
Missouri Infantry; Matt. Wise, Third Indiana Infantry; John Kenney, 
First U. S. Infantry; Sol. Moyer, Sixth U. S. Infantry; P. J. Sublette, 
Third Illinois Infantry; T. M. Easley, Illinois Cavalry; H. M. York, 
Third Louisiana Infantry. Other Mexican veterans in the county who 
did not join the League were: A. O. Braddigan, King CoUett, Edwin 
Parcels, William Capps, Thomas Story. Sylvester Reilly, another 
veteran, died prior to any effort to organize a League. 

It is not known how long this League was maintained. Edwin 
Parcells is still living in Kirksville at a very advanced age. It is not 
known whether there are any other survivors of this war or not in the 
county. 

Spanish-American War. — A good deal of interest was manifested 
in the county in the efforts of Cul^a to free herself from Spanish rule. 
On October 29, 1895, a mass meeting was held in Kirksville for the pur- 
pose of giving expression to the feelings and sentiments of the people 
on the matter. Speeches were made by Mayor Noonan, Senator Sea- 
ber, J. R. Musick, President W. D. Dobson, Geo. M. McGuire, T. E. 
Sublette and others. Resolutions were adopted urging the United 
States Government to do all it could to assist C'uba in her efforts. 

When war was declared in April, 1898 against Spain, a company 
was organized and made itself ready for service. But as has l)een said 
in another section of this chapter, the company at Brookfield was called 
out instead of the one at Kirksville. 

Notwithstanding the disappointment that many felt over the fail- 
ure of the Kirksville Company to l)e called out, great satisfaction was 
taken by every one in the county in the success of one Adair C'ounty boy 
in this war. Shortly after the war broke out the New York Herald 
offered $100 to the first man who would plant the stars and strii)es on 
Cuban soil. The money was won by Ensign Artluir Willard of Kirks- 
ville, who was then on the gunl)oat Machias. While the Wilmington, 
the Winslow, and the Hudson was firing on the batteries at Cardenas, 
the Machias was making a wreck of the barracks at Diana Cay. When 
the Spaniards scampered away. Ensign Willard and three men went 
ashore and planted the American flag on the ruins. 

The people of Kirksville showed their appreciation of the honor 
which Ensign Willard had brought to his home place, by presenting him 



KiRKSVILLE. 403 

with a hoautii'ul jiold mounted sword while he was at home some time 
after the war was over. 

The Medical Profession. — The first resident physician in the 
county of whom there is any record, was Dr. Abram Still, father of Dr. 
A. T. Still, who was l:)oth preacher and physician. 

In 1854 Dr. W. M. Gates, an eclectic physician, came to Adair 
County. It is stated that at that time there was only one regular grad- 
uate of an allopathic medical school practicing in the county, and that 
was Dr. James Goode. Shortly after the coming of llr. Gates, there 
came Drs. Shoop, Patton, and Lowe. Dr. A. P. Willard was a practic- 
ing phj'sician here before the war, and is perhaps the only surviving 
physician from that period now in the county. 

The court records prior to the war show a number of fines assessed 
against physicians for practicing without licenses. Among them were 
William Lough, W. F. G. Lansdale, Franklin Neff, Jas. C. Goode, and 
W. A. Cochrane, who were fined each $50 in April, 1850. 

The physicians of the county who registered under the act of 1873, 
up to as late as 1888 at least, were as follows: F. A. Grove, J. M. Swet- 
nam, A. P. Willard, E. A. Burns, W. G. Pierce, JepthaS. Miller, George 
R. Combs, W. H. Brown, R. M. Fowler, George A. Shirley, John Bur- 
ton, A. H. John, R. H. Browne, Philip Snyder, S. L. Ellis, F. T. Mell- 
inger, Jacob F. Gall, H. G. Kernodle, J. H. Wesscher, M. L. Bunnelle, 
J. B. Weaver, W. H. AUred, S. R. Sage, John Ziegler, Jas. Myers, W. M. 
Patton, W. R. Hopkins, S. J. McPherson, J. M. Ledford, A. T. Still, 
C. V. Payton, T. H. Boscow, Benj. Guffey, J. H. Williams, W. M. Gates, 
Moses Fry, Benj. N. Bond, J. F. Caslow^ J. W. Lee, A. S. Pierce, Thos. 
P. Wiseman, Wm. B. Mead, W. L. Taylor, R. L. Galbreath,H.Hereford, 
S. D. Weir, F. J. Withington, John Moran, J. Jackson Crider, Emlen 
Lewis, J. B. Carter, H. ^I. Stone, Geo. D. Coe, Samuel Shevely, John 
W. McMenanny, J. W. Martin, G. A. Goben, S. W. Saunders, U. P. 
Patchen, W. S. Hall, E. H. Dorland, W. F. Perkins, H. S. Strickland, 
J. W. Herrell, John A. Pulliam, F. M. Nickell, Jas. A. Houser, J. E. 
Dunbar, W. F. Morrow, G. A. Sparling, J. S. Cater, W. T. Mefford, 
C. S. Boscow, Seth Clark, H. I. Shull, H. K. Cunningham, W. S. Hall, 
Syrena Andrews, F. M. Barnes, John Shibley, Jas. F. Snyder, Joshua 
Beach, A. P. Davis, and H. W. Heryford. 

The physicians in Kirksville in 1886 were: Goben & INIorrow, 
opposite Post Office; G. A. Sparling, National Bank Building; F. A. 
Grove, south side; H. Strickland, south side; John Burton, west side; 
A. P. Willard, north side; A. T. Still, southeast of square; C. D. Henry, 
northeast of square; Mrs. L. Ingham; T. H. Boscow, east of square; 
Miss S. Andrews, north of square. 



404 The History of Adair County. 

The medical physicians in 1911 are: E. C. Calhson, L. J. Conner, 
G. A. Goben, E. C. Grim, E. A. Grim, J. W. Martin, A. W. Parrish, 
Bert Parrish, G. A. SparUng, H. J. Rankin, C. M. C. Wilcox, J. T. Dod- 
son, E. E. Quinn. 

Besides the medical physicians there are the osteopathic physi- 
cians on the staff of the American School of Osteopathy, and one or 
two osteopaths who are not connected with the school. 

The town has two hospitals, the Osteopathic Hospital and the Grim 
Hospital. The former has been in operation five or six years, the latter 
for only a year or two. The new Grim Hospital building in the south- 
ern part of town, has just been completed. 

The Adair County Medical Association has been in existence ever 
since 1884 at least. Its officers in 1884 were A. P. Willard, President, 
and W. F. Morrow, Secretary. 

Adair County Bar. — During 1841, the year in which Adair Coun- 
ty was formed, the following persons were enrolled before the court and 
authorized to practice law: B. F. Tarr, Addison Reese, Jas. S. Green, ' 
Clear Orley, Jas. H. Birch, John A. Myers, John W. Myers, Wm. Hall, 
Josiah Fish, and Wesley Halliburton. Whether there were others 
who had been enrolled in advance of these is not known. In 1845 Wm. 
R. Jones, and in 1847 Abram McKenny and E. B. Cone were admitted. 

During the war it was thought necessary to compel the lawyers 
to take an oath of allegiance. The Kirksville bar took this oath on 
May 19, 1862. The oath was as follows: "AVe and each of us do sol- 
emnly swear that we will support the Constitution of the United States 
and of Missouri, and that we will not take up arms against the Govern- 
ernment of the United States nor against the Provisional Government 
of Missouri, and that we will not give aid or comfort to the enemy of 
either during the present civil war. So help us God." The signers 
were: E. V. Wilson, W. S. Griggs, Geo. W. Foster, Geo. W. Sharp, 
J. M. Robertson, B. G. Barrow, J. H. Myers, A. L. Gilstrap, L B. Dod- 
son, and R. J. Eberman. Of these it seems that G. W. Sharp is the only 
one now living. He did not practice law very long, l)ut went into the 
ministry. 

The bar in 1886 was as follows: John C. O'Ferrall, P. F. Green- 
wood, W. D. Oldham, J. M. DeFrance, W. H. DeFrance, J. W. John- 
ston, H. F. Millan, F. M. Harrington, J. M. McCall, and J. M. Ivie. 

The Kirksville bar of 191 1 is composed of the following men: J. E. 
Rieger, H. F. Millan, W. J. Banning, P. J. Rieger, Edward Higl)ee, J. C. 
Mills, P. F. Greenwood, J. A. Cooley, J. D. Smoot, Wm. Frank, G. C. 
Weatherby, J. M. McCall, M. D. Campbell, S. H. Ellison, A. Doneghy, 
C. E. Murrell, E. O. Beal, Lois Buhl, A. D. Risdon. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 
THE OTHER TOWNS OF THE COL'NTY. 

Section I. — Brashear. 

Brashear was laid out in 1872, but its history reaches back prior 
to that date for several years. A mile and a half northeast of Brashear 
there once stood a prosperous little village called Paulville or Paul- 
town. This place was laid out by Walker Paul some time before the 
war, probably about 1855. Settlers had been coming into this part of 
the county ever since 1842, the year when William G. Brashear settled 
there. According to tradition he was the first white man to settle in 
that vicinity. That Mr. Paul thought his town would become an 
important place is evident from his generous plans in laying it out. In 
the center was an open square which was so located as to be on the crown 
of a beautiful knoll; around the square the business houses were 
to be built, and from it the town would grow. Soon after the town was 
laid out a few store buildings were erected on the west and north sides 
of the square, and the town became a popular trading point for the 
people in the Salt River region. There was a grist mill in the village, 
but it was burned during the war, for the purpose, it is said by some, 
of keeping the Confederate recruits in that section from getting sup- 
plies from it. 

After the war the prospects for this little villege l)rightened and it 
came to have a population of about two hundred people. But in 1872 
the Q. M. & P. R. R. (now the 0. K.) was built from Quincy to Kirks- 
ville, and in that year the town of Brashear was laid out. This proved 
to be the end of Paulville. From the time Brashear was laid out people 
in Paulville began to move it, so that in a year or two practically the 
entire town had been literally moved over. One church building and 
several residences were put on trucks and moved over to Brashear, and 
some others were torn down in Paulville and reconstructed in Brashear. 
Brashear was therefore at the outset little more than Paulville trans- 
ferred. 

How there came to be a Brashear is an interesting story. It is 
connected with the building of the Q. M. & P. R. R. 

The projectors of this road made several surveys between Edina 
and Kirksville before deciding on the exact route. One survey passed 



406 The History of Adair County. 

through Puulvillc, but it was decided that the grade would be too great 
to make that Hue advisable. The road was therefore built so as to run 
a mile or two south of Paulville. Among those greatly interested in 
the route that was decided on was John Hurd of Knox Countj^ He 
owned some land along the western edge of that county and bestirred 
himself to get the road built through that land. Agreements were 
made, it is said, between him and the general agent of the road to the 
effect that a depot should be established on his land and be called 
Hurdland, and further, that no other depot should be liuilt west of 
it or east of Salt River. That was to protect the interests of the town 
as it would compel those who wished to use that railroad in the eastern 
part of Adair County to go to Hurdland. 

Many persons in this county, especially those who lived along the 
railroad in the eastern part, felt aggrieved at the road for making this 
sort of an arrangement. Some objected because of the inconvenience 
that would be entailed upon them in going so far from their homes in 
order to get needed accommodations from the railroad; others disliked 
to have a thriving town built up just over the county line which would 
draw wealth away from the county. The experience with the North 
Missouri Railroad (now the Wabash) had brought its lessons. La 
Plata, just south of the southern county line, and Greentop, just north 
of the northern county line on this road, had precluded the building 
up of trade centers of any importance within the county on this road 
outside of Kirksville. It was quite inadvisable to allow the county to 
lose its hold upon the trade along the new railroad in the eastern part 
of the county through the building up of Hurdland just across the east- 
ern border line, and several persons interested themselves in doing what 
the}' could to save the situation. 

Among those who took an active interest in the matter, the most 
aggressive was R. M. Brashear. It was necessary to get funds to in- 
duce the railroad to open up a depot in the eastern part of the county. 
It was therefore decided to submit a proposition to the voters of Salt 
River township to issue $0,000 in bonds, Avhich should be given to the 
railroad for opening up a depot in that township. The proposition 
failed to carry. But those living in the eastern part of Salt River town- 
ship were determined upon having a depot, and prevailed upon the county 
court to allow them to vote upon this bond issue by themselves. The 
court allowed them to do so, and the proposition carried. This, by the 
way, is the explanation for the so-called East and West Salt River town- 
ships. There has never been a division of Salt River township into 



The Other Towns of the County. 407 

two townships. All that was done was the srantina; of i\\o right to 
those living in the eastern half to vote the })oncls upon themselves. 

Meanwhile Mr. Brashear had gotten the railroad authorities to 
say where they could and would locate a depot if it should be estab- 
lished. Having gotten that information he proceeded to buy thirty 
acres of land south of the proposed depot site, and laid out this tract 
into town lots. The railroad authorities accepted the offer of S(),0()0 
bonds which had been voted by the taxpayers of the east part of Salt 
River township, and thereupon built the depot where they told Mr. 
Brashear they would put it. 

As soon as the railroad announced where the depot would be, the 
people of Paulville realized that the end of their village had come, and 
most of them prepared to move at once to the newly laid out town of 
Brashear. As has already been said, several buildings were moved on 
trucks and set down in Brashear. 

This proved not only the end of Paulville, but it checked the pro- 
gress of Hurdland. Hurdland recovered somewhat from this check 
by securing the Santa Fe Railroad through it. There are many people 
in Brashear today who lament that the town did not make a stronger 
effort to get the Santa Fe; they believe that the town would, have grown 
to be many times what it is now if it had gotten this railroad. 

When Brashear was laid out in 1872 there were no county roads 
leading to it. Mr. Brashear got up petitions for five roads to be built 
into his new town from various directions. There was a great deal of 
opposition to these roads at first, but after they were opened there was 
no further objection to them, as they proved at once their value. 

Among the earliest residents of Brashear were R. M. Brashear, 
R. F. Prince, and J. N. McCreary, all of whom came from Paulville. 
Mr. McCreary, who had been the postmaster at Paulville, was the 
first postmaster at Brashear. When it had become settled that Bra- 
shear would l)e laid out he got the government to transfer the office, 
and he went with the transfer. He is also said to have been the first 
man to build a house in the new town. Other early settlers were C. G. 
Cornell, W. B. Keller, Wm. Hill, John Wyatt, John Young, and Dr. 
W. L. Hopkins. 

The railroad did not begin to stop its trains at Brashear until after 
the depot was finished. That did not occur until February, 1873. The 
first agent was John Kerr, who served from February to Octoljcr, 1873. 
He was succeeded by M. F. Strock, who served until 187(). By the 
time the depot was completed several buildings had been erected in 
the town. 




o 
. & 






The Other Towns of the County. 409 

The original town lay on the southern slope of a hill and extended 
from Front Street, which was parallel to the railroad track and on the 
north side of it, north to Chestnut Street, and from Church Street east 
for six blocks. The town was laid out around a square, which was 
donated as a park to the town by Mr. Brashear. In the fall of 1872 
al)out thirty lots were sold and inside a year about forty buildings were 
erected. 

Various additions have been made to the original town, such as 
Hopkins & McCreary's, McClay's, Myers', Millstead's and Tuttle's 
south additions. Myers' addition does not he completely within the 
town limits; moreover, much of the land lying within the limits is un- 
platted as yet (1911). 

The town remained under the township organization of Salt River 
township until May 23, 1877. On that day J. N. McCreary and twenty- 
three others filed a petition with the county court asking for incorpora- 
tion and for the establishing of police for local government. When the 
court became satisfied that two thirds of the taxable inhabitants had 
signed the petition, it incorporated the town as a village, and appointed 
Rueben Davidson, S. P. Barnhart, W. B. Keller, W. R. Hopkins, and 
C. G. Cornell as trustees to serve until the first regular election in April, 
1878. 

The town has never been able to raise itself to the rank of a city 
of the fourth class, inasmuch as its population has never reached the 
five hundred mark. It is yet governed )jy a board of trustees elected 
annually. This board elects its chairman and clerk, the town mar- 
shall and other officers. The chairmen of the board since 1897 have 
been as follows: 

1897— R. Davidson. 

1898— R. Davidson. 

1899— R. Davidson. 

1900— J. W. Thrasher. 

1901— Jas. Hanks. 

1902— Jas. Hanks. 

1903— Jas. Hanks. 

1904— Jas. Hanks. 

The records prior to 1899 have been lost, so that this list cannot go 
back of that date. It is known through an accidental source of infor- 
mation that B. F. Hall was chairman of the board in 1885. 

The postmasters at Brashear, with the dates of their appointment, 
are given below: 



1904- 


-W. S. Vawter. 


1905- 


-H. T. Wilson. 


1906- 


-L. J. Sherwood 


1907- 


-J. A. Milstead. 


1908- 


-J. M. Moore. 


1909- 


-J. M. Moore. 


1910- 


-Geo. Forquer. 



410 



The History of Adair County. 



1872— J. N. McCreary. 
1884— Frank Keller. 
1888— H. T. Savage. 
1890~R. Davidson. 
1894— Robt. Clark. 



1895— Mrs. Davis. 
1900— C. A. Chadwick. 
1904— H. T. Wilson. 
1906— Job Rayner. 
1910— Geo. Fellers. 




Bh.\:suear Academy. 
Remodeled in 1892 by the Christian Church for church purposes. 



Brashear has four churches, each of which has a building of its own. 
They are the United Brethren, the M. E. Church, the M. E. Church, 
South, and the Christian. An account of each congregation has already 
been given in the chapter on churches in the county. 



The Other Towns of the County. 411 

Some attention was likewise given to the public schools of Bra- 
shear in the chapter on the schools of the county. 

In addition to the public schools of this town there was a private 
institution called Brashear Academy, which had been started by Prof. 
J. S. Bailey in September, 1884. This purported to be of high school 
rank, but it is evident that very little was done beyond the grades. 
The enrollment ran from 50 to 140, according to newspaper reports. 
In 1886 the school was comducted by Profs. S. B. and S. P. Barr, but 
later Prof. Bailey resumed control. The school was conducted in a 
three-story frame building which had been erected by Prof. Bailey. 
The third floor was used by the Masons for a lodge room. In the early 
nineties the academy suspended its sessions, and in 1891 the building 
was sold to the Christian Church. In the following year the building 
was remodeled and made into a church building by that congregation, 
and has been used for such from that time to this. 

Mention has been made in the chapter on banks, of the two banks 
in Brashear. The Masonic, Odd Fellow and G. A. R. organizations 
of Brashear have been treated in the chapter on Fraternal Organizations. 

Brashear has been visited by several fires, the most destructive 
being that of 1883, when the west side of the square was burned, and 
that of 1895, when the north side of the square was destroyed. 

Section II. — Nineveh. 

In 1849 Nineveh, the most unique settlement in Adair County 
and one of the unique settlements of Missouri, was founded. It was 
composed of a small group of German communists who came from 
Bethel, Shelby County, Missouri. In order to get a proper apprecia- 
tion of the settlement at Nineveh, it will be necessary to say something 
about Bethel and its founder. Dr. WilUam Keil. 

Dr. Keil was born in Prussia in 1811. He grew up to young man- 
hood in his native country and became a man milliner. He came to 
America in 1835 or 1836, and after living a while in New York he went 
to Pittsburgh. He practiced medicine in both of these places with 
some degree of success, though it is not certain he ever attended a med- 
ical school. Shortly after he reached Pittsburgh he was converted in 
a revival held by the German Methodists and he joined their church. 
In 1839 he was licensed as a local preacher; his success and enthusiasm 
as a class leader had recommended him as a suitable candidate for this 
higher rank. Very shortly, however, he broke with this church. Dur- 
ing the absence of the regular pastor he is said to have ascended the pul- 



412 



The History of Adair County. 



pit one Sunday and preached for two hours. In this sermon he attacked 
the ministry very severely for their acceptance of salaries. At the 
close of his sermon he asked all those who believed in the truth of his 
statements and who believed in his inspiration, to rise to their feet. 
Many arose. This marked the beginning of his following, and for over 
thirty years he maintained a strong hold over a considerable group of 
people. 

Dr. Keil now began to preach without any church connection, l)ut 
he finally decided it would be best to identify himself with some church, 




Dr. Wm. Keil, The Fourder of Nineveh. 



and so he joined the Protestant INIethodists. Later he was excluded 
from this church because he would not obey his ecclesiastical superiors. 
The group that had withdrawn with him from the German Methodists 
and had gone with him into the Protestant Methodist church, also with- 
drew with him from this latter church. He then began to send enthu- 
siastic young men as representatives of his ideas into other parts of 
Pennsylvania and into Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, and 
Iowa. Their efforts were not without some results. Many accepted 
his ideas and believed in him as an inspired leader and teacher. 

It was not until he had reached this stage that he began to think 
of estal)lisliing a comnuinistic colony somewhere. When his plans were 
announced, many of his followers sold their property and made prepara- 
tion to join his colony. An attempt was made to put the colony on the 
basis of a constitution which had been drafted l)v some of those who 



The Other Towns of the County. 413 

had joined in the movement, but this was rejected by Keil, and his own 
imperious will became the law to which all gave a willing and an enthu- 
siastic obedience. The society which was organized remained unin- 
corporated unto the day of its dissolution. 

In 1844 a committee of three called "spies" was sent to Missouri 
to find a suitable site for the colony. They came by boat down the 
Ohio and up the Mississippi to St. Louis. It had been intended to in- 
vestigate the region along the Mississippi north of the mouth of the 
Missouri, but on arriving in this district they found the land all under 
water from recent spring rains, so that they did not land until they 
got to Hannibal. At this place they met a man who interested them 
in some land in Shelby County. This land pleased them very much 
and they recommended it as the best site for the colony. Dr. Keil 
and a few of the colonists came in the autumn of 1844, and others came 
on as they could make arrangements. One group purchased a boat 
at Pittsburgh and used it in transporting themselves and their goods 
to Hannibal, where the boat was disposed of, and they moved their 
goods overland to the site of the colony. Frederick Stahl, the father of 
Judge S. F. Stahl of Kirksville, was the engineer of this boat. 

The main settlement of this colony was called Bethel. Others 
lying near it were called Elim, Mamri, and Hebron. All these names 
were taken from the Bible. Later the Adair County branch colony 
was also given a Biblical name, Nineveh, but the other branch in Oregon 
was named Aurora after one of Dr. Keil's daughters. 

Inasmuch as the colony had a peculiar religious basis, we are in- 
terested at the outset in its religious institutions. An elegant church 
building was erected at Bethel, which was the pride of the colony and 
an object of attraction for miles around. Every two weeks the colo- 
nists gathered in this church to hear Dr. Keil preach. His sermons 
do not seem to have been doctrinal, but to have been exhortations to 
industry, moral living, and obedience to his authority. Baptism was 
discarded, and the regular method of observing the Lord's Supper also. 
If it was observed at all, it was l)y way of a general meal at the house of 
some member. The festivals were nearly all of them religious in char- 
acter. Dr. Keil's birthday, Easter, Pentecost, May feast, and the Har- 
vest feast were the occasions of feasting and rejoicing. The first three 
were celebrated at Elim, where Dr. Keil resided, the others at Bethel. 
The May festival was perhaps the biggest of the feasts. At Christmas 
time the church was decorated with two large trees, and the people 
gathered at four o'clock on Christmas morning, and after listening to a 



414 The History of Adair County. 

sermon and participatinji; in singing, huge baskets of cakes, apples and 
candy were distributed. 

The chief industrial activity of the colony was agriculture, but a 
great deal of manufacturing, on a small scale to be sure, was carried on. 
A flour mill, a saw mill, a woolen mill, a distillery, a tannery, lime and 
brick kilns, and a glue plant were l:)uilt. The motive power of the mills 
was furnished by a steam engine. Boots, shoes, hats, gloves, wagons, 
plows, woolen and linen goods, liquors, and linseed oil were among the 
many things which thej^ manufactured for sale. Some of their pro- 
ducts, especially the gloves, were much sought for in markets as far dis- 
tant as New York. 

Each industry had a superintendent who arranged the details in 
his particular department. The net proceeds realized from the sale 
of the products of these various industries, including the farms, were 
put in a general fund. This fund grew to be considerable in time. No 
dividends were declared, but the surplus earnings were used in enlarg- 
ing the various enterprises of the colony. Each member of the colony 
was a stockholder in every concern. 

Common places were provided for the protection of live stock. A 
large barn for the horses was built at Bethel, and another for the stock 
cattle and cows at Hebron. There was also a common barn for the 
work cattle, and a common pig sty. The men who had families lived 
in separate houses, but the unmarried men lived in "the large house," 
which was also used as a hotel and as the colony store. 

From the colony store each family would draw each week its share 
of provisions, the share of each family being determined by the number 
in it. There was no choice of articles or goods. Every family got the 
same kind of provisions; the difference was in the amount only. The 
clothing was made from cloth made by the colony and every one got his 
share of that. Special purchases could be made only by those who had 
realized something from the sale of such commodities as l)utter and eggs. 
These commodities were about the only things that could be sold as 
private property. The proceeds from the sale of other things went 
into the general fund. It will be readily seen how little private pocket 
change any individual had and how restricted his special purchases 
must have been. 

The colony maintained a school in which the elementary branches 
were taught. C(>rman was, of cours(% the language of the school, but 
English was also taught. 

The government of the colony was in the hands of Dr. Keil, l)ut on 



The Other Towns of the County. 415 

leaving Bethel for .\urora, Oregon, in 1855, he left tlie management of 
aft'airs in the hands of a dejjuty presitlent appointed l)y him. As Dr. 
Keil never returned from Oregon, the management passed from one 
deputy president to anotlier as occasion required new appointments. 
These deputy presidents did all that Dr. Keil had done, and though 
they never made personal re])orts to him, they remained loyal to liim. 

This long account of the Bethel colony has been given in order that 
the branch at Nineveh may be understood. In many respects the 
branch and the mother colony were alike, and >'et owing to disparity 
in size there were differences. The similarities and thfterences will be 
made apparent as this account now proceeds. 

In 1849, after the Bethel colony had been in operation about four 
years, it was decided to establish a branch colony. Dr. Keil and Mr. 
Adam Scheulie came to Adair County and selected the farm of David 
A. Ely on the Chariton River, as the most suitable site for the branch 
colony. Mr. Ely had built a mill which was run l^y water power fur- 
nished by a dam which he had constructed in the river. Moreover, it 
was known that coal abounded in this vicinitj^ These were the things, 
therefore, that interested Dr. Keil and Mr. Scheulie in this particular 
place. 

One hundred and sixty acres were bought from Mr. Ely and a town 
laid off, which was called Nineveh. Later a great deal more land was 
bought, until there were in all 2,100 acres owned by the colony. In the 
spring of 1850 about twenty-five people came from Bethel and began 
the work of founding the branch colony, which was to be a reproduction 
as far as possible of Bethel. 

The mill was converted from a water to a steam mill, the first in 
the county. It was quite a novelty at that time, and men came from 
ten to twenty miles, and sometimes as far as sixty miles, to have their 
wheat, corn, and other grain ground. A saw mill was also installed, 
and much lumber was gotten out. A tannery, shoe shop, blacksmith- 
ing and wagon shops and a carpenter shop were also erected and put in 
operation. But the industries of Nineveh were never as extensive as 
those at Bethel, and very little in the way of manufactured products, 
aside from flour and meal, was put upon the market. As at Bethel, 
farming was the chief industry at Nineveh. Some coal was mined, 
but the work was done by hired labor. A store was maintained, from 
which the colonists drew their weekly supplies. 

Dr. Keil did not come with the colonists when this branch was es- 
tal)lished. As far as is known, he spent very little time there. How- 



416 The History of Adair County. 

ever, he managed to keep his hand upon affairs through a board of 
three elders. After he left Missouri and went to Aurora, Oregon, these 
elders were under the deputy president left behind at Bethel. 

There was no church building at Nineveh, but there was a big 
house in which the head elder and his family and the unmarried men of 
the colony lived. Religious services were held every Sunday in the 
hall upstairs in this building. These services were more in the order 
of prayer meetings. If, however, Dr. Keil or some of the so-called 
elders of Bethel were present, they would preach. 

Very few of the festivals celebrated at Bethel were celebrated at 
Nineveh. The colonists were too few in number to make elaborate 
celebrations possible. There were never more than 150 in the colony 
nor more than thirteen dwellings. Life was somewhat more monoto- 
nous at Nineveh than at Bethel. 

The colony maintained a school for four months in the year. The 
teacher was Chas. Knight, who came from Bethel. As far as is known, 
he was the only teacher the Nineveh branch ever had. 

In 1877 Dr. Keil died. This meant the rapid cUssolution of the 
colony, for no one was at hand to rule with the same iron hand as he 
had ruled. Even he had found some difficulty in retaining control 
toward the last. Many of the people in the various colonies began to 
see that they did not possess as much property as their non-communistic 
neighbors, and many of them withdrew. Among those who withdrew 
from the colony at Nineveh were Jacob Culler and family, Hermann 
Behrens and family, Michael Snyder and family, and S. F. Stahl. As 
these persons withdrew, all of them except Mr. Stahl, received their 
share of the property of the colony. The reason why Mr. Stahl did not 
get anything was he withdrew just before he was twenty-one, and though 
he had kept the colony's store he was not entitled to anything. He Avas 
given $25.00, however, as a kind of gift for his services in the store. 
After he withdrew he engaged in mercantile business in Nineveh, run- 
ring a store in competition with the colony store. His partner was 
J. D. Miller, who had likewise withdrawn from the Aurora colony and 
had returned to Nineveh. These men maintained their store in Nin- 
eveh until it Avas burned in November, 1873, whereupon Mr. Stalil 
went into business at Shibley's Point. 

Under the circumstances it was deemed advisable after Dr. Keil's 
death, to make a complete division of the property. Legal proceedings 
were thereupon begun. In inventory was made of all the property 
owned by the society at Bethel, Nineveh and Aurora, and the various 
items were as follows: 



The Other Towns of the County. 417 

Real estate in Shelby County, Mo $ 42, 447 . 50 

Town lots in Bethel, Mo 10, 728.00 

Other lots and improvements in Bethel, ISIo 7,475.00 

Property in Oregon 45, 478 . 00 

Real estate in Adair County, Mo 2, 790 . 00 

Cash and notes in Adair County, Mo 887 . 85 

Total $109, 806 . 35 

A division was then made between the Bethel colony, which in- 
cluded Nineveh, and the Aurora colony. To the Bethel colony was 
assigned $47,214.25; to the Aurora colony, $62,592.10. After the di- 
vision had been thus made between the two colonies, the next step was 
to divide the property of each colony between the members. This 
was done without much delay. 

It is not clear why the property Adair Coimty property of the Nin- 
eveh branch should be estimated at so low a figure as $2,790. The 
withdrawal of a goodly number had cut down the property consider- 
ably, but this is not sufficient explanation. Perhaps the low figure is 
due to the fact that the claims of J. D. Miller to all the land which had 
been deeded in the name of his father should go to him, had been ex- 
cluded. All the real estate of the colonies at Bethel, Nineveh and 
Aurora was originally deeded to individuals and not to the society. 
J. D. Miller claimed what had been deeded in his father's name, and 
after some time the colony deferred to his claims rather than go into 
court. 

The following men were among those who made up the colony at 
Nineveh: Geo. Bauer, Herman Behrens, Henry Beck, Jacob Culler, 
August Culler, Wm. Culler, Peter Erich, Peter Felker, Henry Felker, 
Henry Frey, George Feller, Tobias Feller, Jacob Findling, J. T. Gall, 
Henry Howard, J. M. Miller, Geo. Miller, Frederick Miley, John Miley, 
Peter Pfeiffer, Freeman Pfeiffer, Michael Snyder, Geo. Steinbach, S. F. 
Stahl, and John Yoght. There were others but their names were not 
ascertained. Of those named above August Culler, Wm. Culler, Peter 
Felker, Freeman Pfeiffer, John Miley, and S. F. Stahl withdrew from 
the colony before its dissolution. 

In politics the members of the colony were all Democrats before 
the war. During Lincoln's administration they all returned Repub- 
lican and have generally remained so to the present. 

After the dissolution of the colony the members joined different 
chiu'ches, most of them, however, going into the Presbyterian or the 
Cumberland Presbyterian churches. 

28 



418 The History of Adair County. 

Section III. — Connelsville. 

From the dissolution of the German colony in 1879, until the l)uild- 
ing of the Iowa and St. Louis Railroad in 1901, Nineveh remained a 
country cross-road village. Shortly after tlie building of this railroad 
certain promoters became interested in booming the place. In August, 
1902, the Missouri and Iowa Townsite Company purchased 124 acres 
adjoining Nineveh and laid out a new town which they called Connels- 
ville, presumably after the famous coal and coke town of that name 
in Pennsylvania. 

The Manufacturers' Coal and Coke Company opened up several 
mines in and around Connelsville and thus began to operate the coal 
industry of that vicinity on a large scale for the first time. During 
1902-03 twelve brick store buildings and a hundred or more dwellings 
were built. The present town includes old Nineveh, and has a popula- 
tion, according to the census of 1910, of 652. The future growth of the 
town will depend upon the development of the coal industry. 

The town was incorporated as a city of the fourth class on April 
1, 1904. The officers appointed by the county court at the time of 
incorporation were: S. G. Wright, Mayor; Emmett Raugh, Collector; 
Simeon Tallahey, Marshall; S. F. Shumate, Edward Kitts, Fred Shoop, 
and N. B. Wellman, Aldermen. 

Section IV. — Novinger. 

The first permanent white settlement in the county was made in 
1830 within three or four miles of what is now the town of Novinger. 
It seems, however, that it was about ten years before settlers began to 
occupy the land in and around Novinger. By 1860 this part of the coun- 
ty was fairly well settled l)y a class of hard working and thrifty farm- 
ers who scarcely dreamed of the vast mineral wealth that underlay 
their lands. They were accustomed to go to Kirksville for some of 
their trading, l)ut their post office and their chief trading and milling 
point was Nineveh, a settlement which had been founded by a colony of 
German communists about 1850. 

The first step towards the making of the present town of Novinger 
was taken after the Q. M. & P. R. R. (now the O. K.) was extended 
west from Kirksville in 1878. In that year, or at least the next, John 
('. Novinger laid out on his land a village which bore his name and which 
constitutes today the original town of Novinger. Two different indus- 
tries were beginning to be develoiied by that time in the western part 
of the county, the tie and the coal industries, and the advantage in 



The Other Towns of the County. 



419 



having a railroad run through the timber and coal regions was something 
that both the company and the community realized. At the time when 
tiie raih'oad was projected west from Kirks ville, the tie industry was lead- 
ing the coal industry by long odds. Novinger station became the most 
important tie settlement in the county, and several individuals and firms 
made it their shipi:)iug point from which ties by the hundreds of thousands 
were shipped to different parts of the country. Notwithstanding the 
fact that so nuich traffic went on through Novinger, this industry con- 
tributed nothing of permanence to the place. A few little shanties were 




John C. Novinger, Founder of Novinger. 



put up in the town for the temporary use of the tie workers, but when 
the timber around the place had been cleared off and the tie Inisiness 
was closed up, the tie workers left and their shanties were torn down 
or converted to other uses. This industry was at its height from about 
1885 to 1895. 

But just as the tie business began to enter its decline in the county 
and particularly' around Novinger, the second industry of that part of 
the county, the coal industry, began to take on new life and to expand 
beyond what it had ever been in the past. This industry has been the 
means of making the town what it is today, with its nearly 2,000 popu- 



420 The History of Adair County. 

lation, and more than that, if the outlying mining camps should be 
included. 

In another chapter the development of the coal industry in the 
county received special treatment, so that it is necessary to speak here 
only briefly of its rise and growth in Novinger. 

In and around Stahl the coal veins have appeared quite near 
the surface, so that by a little stripping or scraping off of the dirt the 
coal could be easily gotten out, or the coal has cropped out on the hill- 
sides and has been brought out by digging into the hills. Since such 
veins were easily discovered it is readily seen why the coal industry 
began in and around Stahl earlier than it did at Novinger and vicinity, 
where the coal veins are all well below the surface of the earth and have 
to be reached by shafts. 

The first effort to open a mine at Novinger was made by John L. 
Porter of Kirksville in 1883, along what is now Front Street. He sank 
an air shaft preparatory to sinking a main shaft, but the railroad com- 
pany with Avhom he had made a contract had meanwhile become in- 
solvent, so that his contract became valueless. He thereupon aban- 
doned the project. The air shaft then filled up wdth water and was 
used for years as a public well. 

For many years after Mr. Porter's efforts, several small mines were 
opened up in and around the place, but none of them amounted to much 
until the Rombauer Coal Company bought out the O. K. Coal Com- 
pany in 1898 and began to operate on a large scale. The conditions 
that made the expansion of the coal industry possible in Novinger and 
the county in general, was the extension of the 0.- K. Railroad west 
from Trenton in 1897. This extension opened up the Kansas City and 
Omaha markets directly to those who would engage in the coal business 
on a large scale. Major Rombauer readily saw what possibilities there 
were in the coal business at Novinger, and the success he has had in his 
extensive operations there since he began in 1898, has proved his fore- 
sightedness and business ability. 

In a year or two after Major Rombauer began his extensive opera- 
tions, a few business men began to show their faith in the future of 
the town by putting their money into business houses and into dwell- 
ings. Among them were J. V. and C. V. Miller of Kirksville. They 
began erecting business houses along Frankford Avenue in 1900, and 
in three years they erected twenty-one buildings, mostly brick, along 
this street, which with six other buildings belonging to other parties, 
occupy four blocks on both sides of the street. In addition to these 
business houses, the Miller Brothers erected over twenty residences 



The Other Towns of the County. 421 

ill different parts of the town. They .still own all the store l)nil(linj;s 
and residences which they erected in the early nineties. 

After the Rombauer Company was organized, other large compa- 
nies have opened mines in and around Novinger. In 1910 there were 
four large companies operating eight mines in or near the town. The 
pay-roll of these companies amounted to about $50,000 a month in 1909, 
when the mines were being operated steadily. 

The expansion of the coal industry has produced a great increase 
in the population of the town. In 1900 there wei-e less than 100 people 
there. In 1910 there were 1711. Coal has been the making of Novin- 
ger and from the i)resent prosjiects will continue to make it a still more 
important industrial center in the near future. 

I^j) to April 5, 1901, Novinger remained, as far as local govern- 
ment was concerned, a part of the municipal township of Nineveh. It 
appears never to have been incorporated as a village. But on April 
5, 1901. the county court of Adair County, in answer to a petition pre- 
sented to it, incorporated the town as a city of the fourth class. The 
court also appointed the following officers to serve until the following 
election: Mayor, J. F. Novinger; Collector, F. A. Stroup; Marshall, 
Frank W. Closs; Aldermen, first ward, Henry Truitt and Martin Rab- 
bitt; Aldermen, second ward, Emmanuel Sharp and W. P. Pierson. 

It is hoped by many of the leading people of the town that the pop- 
ulation will increase soon to 2,500, so that the town may take rank as a 
city of the third class. It has been thought that if the ten mining 
camps around Novinger were incorporated in the town, the number 
necessary to secure the change from fourth to third class would be had. 
This will enable the town to arrange for certain local affairs which the 
cities of the fourth class do not enjoy. 

The town election for ^Nlayor and other elective officers occurs every 
two years, in Ajjril. The ^Mayors have been as follows, the date indi- 
cating the year in which they were elected: 

1901— J. F. Novinger. 1907— R. F. Ptiipps. 

1902— F. P. Gartlon. 1908— Martin Rabbitt. 

1904— Martin Rabbitt. 1910— Martin Rabbitt. 

1906— W. A. Miles. 
The postmasters have been as follows: 

1877— Rippy. 1904— Harriott. 

1879— A. Kinyon. 1908— J. F. Stroup. 

1896— Mrs. A. Kinyon. 1910— Henry Frankford. 

1897— W. H. Aimcic. 
The post office was moved into the building it now occupies in 
1904. 



422 



The History of Adair County. 



Section V. — Gibbs. 

Prior to the building of the Santa Fe Railroatl through the south- 
eastern corner of the county in 1887, the httle village called Wilson- 
town gave some promise of continued existence. But as the railroad 
left it to one side, it was at once apparent that its future was threat- 
ened, just as was Paulville when the Q. M. & P. R. R. was built and 
left it to one side. The successor to AYilsontown is Gibbs, just as Bra- 
shear is the successor to Paulville. 

Gibbs was laid out in 1887 on land which formerlv belonged to 










^^■^^.i^r^l 



Gibbs Street Scene. 



R. M. Brashear, but which at that time belonged to the (oblis Land 
(Company. The town remained, however, unincorporated until 1894. 

A good deal of business is done at Gibbs. It is situated so that it 
draws from three counties. Much grain and stock are shipped to mar- 
ket from this point. The grain elevator owned l)y Perrin &: Company, 
of Chicago, and operated by tiie Alereditli Lumber Comi)any, has a 
capacity of 10,000 bushels. 

The town was incorporated as a village on February 9, 1894. The 
county court appointed Sherman Brown, Jas. L. Glasgow, Olden Pierce, 
D. C. Gibbs, and Wm. McVey as the trustees at the time of incorpora- 
tion. 



The Other Towns of the County. 423 

Section VI.^ — Unincorporated Villages. 

Besides the towns mentioned in the foregoing pages of this chapter, 
there are several unincorporated villages in the county, some account 
of which will here be given. 

S'lAiiL. — This coal mining town is located on the O. K. Railroad, 
fourteen miles northwest of Kirksville. It was laid out in June, 1882, 
by S. F. Stahl, who was at that time engaged in the coal mining busi- 
ness at that place. All the mines and practically all the town propert}^ 
are now owned by H. C. McCahan. The town has not grown as the 
other coal mining towns of the county have grown. 

Shibley's Point. — This little village is seventeen miles northwest 
of Kirksville and three miles northeast of Stahl. It was named after 
the Shibleys who settled in that vicinit}' in the early days of the county. 
It was a trading point for that section of the county, especially after 
the decline of Nineveh in the late seventies. 

Adair. — This village is fifteen miles north of Brashear. It was 
platted in April, 1879 for M. C. and Mary E. Cody. It has always been 
a Catholic settlement. Many facts concerning the place may be found 
in the sketch of the Catholic church at that place. 

WiLMATHSViLLE. — Tliis village is in Clay Township, eighteen miles 
northeast of Kirksville, and nine miles southeast of Greentop, Schu^der 
County, its main shipping point. It was surveyed and platted for 
W. B. Reynolds, who had moved from La Grange to that part of the 
county in 1856. He afterwards opened up a store on his farm and put 
a man by the name of McLean in charge of it. The village which grew 
up around this store was named after Mrs. McLean, whose given name 
was Wilmoth. The correct way of spelling the name of the town is 
Wilmothsville, though it has generally come to be spelled Wilmathsville. 

Sublette. — This village is eight miles north of Kirksville on the 
Wabash Railroad. It was platted in 1869 for P. J. and Sarah R. Sub- 
lette. It is located in the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter 
of section 34, township 64, range 1.5, Polk Township. It has been 
a convenient shipping point for the farmers of that section of the county. 



424 The History of Adair County. 

Millard. — This village is eight miles south of Kirksville on the 
Wabash Railroad. It was surveyed and platted for S. F. and Maggie 
A. Miller in May, 1872. The location is in the northeast quarter of 
the northwest quarter of section 11, township 61, range 15, Pettis Town- 
ship. It is surrounded on all sides by excellent farming land. A good 
deal of shipping has been done at that place ever since it was laid out. 

Besides the places named in this section there are Danforth in 
Nineveh township, Youngstown in Liberty township, Nind and Yarrow 
in Walnut township and Wilsontown in Wilson township. Danforth is 
on the 0. K. railroad and Youngstown and Yarrow are on the 
I. & St. L. railroad. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

IN MEMORIAM. 

The object of this chapter is to set forth in alphabetical order, 
brief historical sketches of a few of the most prominent men of the 
county who have passed away from this life in the last forty years or 
more. Material was not at hand to include sketches of the leaders 
of the county who died at an earlier period. Moreover, it is a matter 
of regret that the sketches of many men who were contemporaneous 
with these that are given had to be left out. Space will not permit 
more than is here given. Only the leading facts, such as birth, death, 
time of settlement in the county, and connection with various activi- 
ties, are undertaken in these sketches. 

J. R. Adkins. — Born in Virginia in 1820; died in Adair County, 
October 10, 1888. He moved with his father's family to Howard Coun- 
ty in 1825, and in 1834 to Adair County. He was elected sheriff in 
1850 and in 1852; he returned to his farm after his terms had expired 
and remained there until his death. 

H. J. Bailey. — Born in Macoupin County, Illinois, September 19, 
1836; died in Kirksville May 8, 1898. He was soon thrown upon his 
own resources. He came to Kirksville in 1854, and with the exception 
of four years he was actively engaged in business thereafter until his 
death. He was twice Alderman of the town, and was Vice-President 
of the Columbian School of Osteopathy. He was a member of the 
Cumberland Presbyterian church. He was survived by liis wife and 
three children. 

Andrew Beatty.— Born in Overton County, Tennessee, Novem- 
ber 11, 1810; died near Wesley Chapel, Adair County, April 3, 1899. 
He came to Missouri in 1820, and five years later was left an orphan. 
He came to Adair County during young manhood, and served as sheriff 
for one term during the war. 

B. W. Bell.— Born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1822; died in 
Kirksville June, 1891. His father was a volunteer in the war of 1812. 



426 The History of Adair County. 

He came to Iowa in 1849 and to Adair County in 1856, locating in Clay 
Township. During the war he joined the Home Guard and later 
organized Company I, Fiftieth Enrolled Missouri Militia, of which 
Company he was captain. In November, 1863, he was made major 
of the Eighty-Sixth Enrolled Missouri Militia. During 1875-76 he was 
in the mercantile business in Adair County, but returned to farming. 
He was a Mason and a IVIethodist. 

B. A. BozARTH. — Born near Fayette, Mo., Jarmary, 1824; died on his 
homestead in the western part of the county on November 25, 1903. 
At the time of his death he was reported to be the oldest white settler 
of Adair County. In the fall of 1831 Andrew Bozarth, Hiram Bozarth, 
Hardin Hargis, Isaac Gross, Bennett Brown, and D. Hayes are said 
to have come on a big hunt to that part of Randolph County which was 
organized as Adair County in 1841. They camped on the ground 
which afterwards became the Bozarth farm. It is said that after the 
hunt was over, Andrew Bozarth, the father of B. A. Bozarth, took an 
axe and cut his name on a tree and declared that the land around about 
was his claim, and that next year he would raise a corn crop on it. Next 
spring, true to his declaration, he came with his family and raised his 
crop. At that time B. A. Bozarth was only seven years old. He lived 
all the rest of his long life on this same estate. He was married in 1845 
to Mrs. F. Jackson, who died in 1895. To this union two children 
were born. At his death Mr. Bozarth had thirty-five grand-children, 
and thirteen great-grand-children. In 1902 he was married to Mrs. 
Mary James, who survived him. 

J. M. Bozarth. — Born in Adair County, December 14, 1831; died 
, . He was doubtless the first white child loom in the 



county. At that time what is now Adair was a part of Randolph Coun- 
ty. His parents, Hiram and IVIargaret Bozarth, were among the first 
permanent settlers in the county. After his father's death in 1846, 
his mother undertook to care for her large family. In 1856 he was mar- 
ried to Miss Rachel McPhetridge. He served about a year in Company 
B, Thirty-Ninth Missouri Infantry. 

W. G. Brashear. — Born January 13, 1807 in Spartanburg Dis- 
trict, South Carolina; died in Adair County May 10, 1862. He was 
married in 1827 to Miss Rosa Wood and came that same year with his 
wife's parents to Ralls County, Missouri. He and his wife came to 
Adair County in 1841 and settled near the present Brashear. They 
raised eleven out of their twelve children. 



In Memoriam. 427 

Guy Chandler. — Born in Ohio in 1878; died in Adair County on 
Decombor 29, 1895. Ho moved to Illinois in 1848, and from there came 
to Adair County in 1855. He served in the State Militia and later in 
the Seventli Missouri Cavalry during the civil war. He was public 
administrator t)f the comity for eight years. By his nuuTiage with 
INIiss Sarah Jones in 1839 he had four sons and three daughters. 

Robert Clark. — Born in New York February 29, 1828; died in 
Kirksville, November 17, 1895. He moved to Pennsylvania during 
young manhood and in 1869 he came to Kirksville. lie immediately 
went into the hardware business and remained active in it until his death. 
He was prominent in the Democratic party, having served as chairman 
of the Count}^ Democratic central committee from 1880 to his death. 
He was a Mason and a K. P. He was married twice. His sons, Piob- 
ert and James, continued the Ijusiness after his death. The Robert 
Clark Hardware Company is among the oldest firms in the county, if 
not the oldest. 

D. J. Clarkson. — Born in Illinois April 11, 182(); died near Adair, 
Clay township, May 5, 1907. He moved to Adair County in 1856, 
locating in Clay township. At that time there were only three houses 
in what is now the Hazel Green School District, the vicinity of his home. 
He was married to Miss Pevehouse in 1846. They celel)rated their six- 
tieth wedding anniversary in 1906 by gathering in a large number of 
their friends at their home. He was survived by his wife and three 
children. 

A. K. CoLLETT. — Born near Richmond, Kentucky, November 7, 
1821; died on his farm six miles west of Kirksville on April 8, 1898, 
He came with his father to Howard Comity in early childhood and 
thence to Adair County in 1837. A claim w^as taken up west of what is 
now Kirksville. This is a part of the present Collett estate. He en- 
listed in the Mexican war. He went wdth W. H. Parcells to California 
in 1849 and remained there for eleven years. He returned in 1860 and 
began farming again. He married IVIiss Cain, daughter of John Cain, in 
1848. She died in 1897. He was survived by his only son, Ira Collett. 

Edwin Darroav. — Born in Summit County, Ohio, July 28, 1829; 
died in Kirksville, Oct. 27, 1887. In 1846 he came with his father to 
Iowa and in 1854 to Adair County. He served for three years in the 
Union arniv. Part of that time he was first lieutenant of the ill-fated 



428 The History of Adair County. 

Company A, Tliirty-Ninth Infantry tliat wa^^ completely wiped out at 
Centralia in Sept. 18G4. He was county surveyor and later sheriff for 
two terms. He was married to Miss Seavy in 1852. To them three 
sons and two daughters were born. 

J. M. De France. — Born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, Sep- 
tember 12, 1826; died in Kirksville August 30, 1900. He came west 
in 1846, settling first in Wisconsin. In 1854 he located at Milan, Mis- 
souri, and after the war closed came to Kirksville. He was prominent 
in the legal profession until he retired some years before his death. He 
was active in a number of circles in the community. 

J. T. Dennis. — Died in Kirksville, March 4, 1873, aged about thirty 
years. From 1868 lo 1872 he was County Superintendent of Schools 
and did much toward improving the school S3'stem of the county. His 
death came after a brief illness. 

IsoM B. DoDSON. — Born in Wayne County, Indiana, December 
7, 1818; died in Kirksville in 1879. He came to Adair County in 1841, 
and soon rose to prominence. He was sheriff from 1847 to 1851, and 
State Senator at the time of the passing of the Drake Constitution. He 
was major of the Eighteenth Missouri Cavalry. He was survived by 
his wife, who was Miss Nancy Murphy, and their two children. 

Henry Eckert, Sr. — Born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, Feb- 
ruary 28, 1834; died in Kirksville, March 13, 1900. He came to Amer- 
ica at the age of fourteen. In 1856 he came to Kirksville. He was 
long identified with the business interests of the town. He was mar- 
ried in 1859 to Miss Reiter. She died in 1886. He was survived by 
five sons and one daughter. The funeral services were conducted by 
Rev. W. P. Nason, and the remains were in charge of the Knights Tem- 
plar. 

Andrew Ellison. — Born at Monticello, November 6, 1846; died 
in St. John's Hospital in St. Louis, June 27, 1902. During his boyhood 
his parents moved to Canton, where he lived until he had reached young 
manhood. He was educated at Christian College, Canton, and Chris- 
tian Brothers' College, St. Louis. He then "read law" and came to 
Kirksville in 1867, and commenced the practice of law with his older 
brother, Jas. Ellison. In 1876 he was appointed Judge of the Circuit in 
which Adair County lay, to fill the unexpired term of Judge Henry. 



In Memoriam. 429" 

He was re-elected in 1878, in 1880, in 1886, and 1892. In all, he served 
twenty-two years on the bench. He was Regent of the State Normal 
School at Kirksville from 1874 to 1894. He was married to Miss Hatch 
in 1869, by whom he had four children, two sons and two daughters, 
all of whom survived him. His funeral was held at the Christian church. 
Special trains from Moberly and from Edina were run into Kirksville 
on that day for the benefit of persons who wished to come and pay him 
their last respects. After retiring from the bench he formed a law part- 
nership with M. D. Campbell, which he maintained until his death. 
Memorial services were held by the court at Macon during its October 
session. 

D. A. Ely, Sr. — Born in Clark County, Kentucky, August 30, 
1815; died at his home six miles north of Kirksville on October 14, 
1886. He came with his father to Ralls County, Missouri in 1820. 
After marrying he moved to Iowa. After a few years there he lost his 
wife. He moved to Adair County in 1839. He erected a mill on the 
Chariton, which he sold, together with his farm, to the German com- 
munists, who founded the colony of Nineveh. He went to California 
during the gold fever year, 1849, but returned in 1852, and entered the 
farm on which he died. He v/as a prominent Mason. The funeral 
was held at his late residence. 

J. S. Erwin. — Born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, May 6, 1819; died 
in Kirksville March 11, 1903. He was educated for the ministry, but never 
took up that work on account of ill health. He was married in 1849 to Miss 
Elizabeth Wilson, and moved later to Tennessee. From thence he went 
to Iowa, and in 1870 he came to Adair County. He was Regent of the 
Normal School at Kirksville for a number of years. He was a Presby- 
terian and served as Elder from 1870 to his death. 

W. L. Fletcher. — Born in 1822; cUed February 14, 1903. He 
came as a small boy with his father's family from Kentucky to Misoouri 
in 1830, settling in Randolph County. He used to tell how he made the 
trip of five hundred miles on foot, for the most part, and clad in nothing 
but a long short. He moved to Adair County in 1841. In 1861 he 
moved to Iowa, but returned to the county in 1873. He was ordained 
as a Universalist minister in 1876. He was very popular as a "marry- 
ing parson," having officiated at over one hundred and twenty-five wed- 
dings. He was married three times, and had nine children, forty-six 
grandchildren, and forty-seven great-grandchildren. 



430 The History of Adair County. 

John R. Floyd. — Born in Warren County, Kentucky, July 22, 
1835; died in Adair County, December 13, 1907. He had been a resi- 
dent of Adair County for over fifty years. He was married to Miss 
Branstetter in 1854. They celebrated their golden wedding anniver- 
sary in 1904. They had seven sons and four daughters, all of whom 
survived him, as did also his wife. He was a member of the Baptist 
church and had ))een since he was sixteen. 

Peyton Foster. — Born in Fayette County, Kentucky, October 
18, 1791; died in La Plata, Missouri, September 5, 1872. He served in 
the war of 1812. He moved from Kentucky to Illinois about 1831, and 
after living in that state came to Adair County, Missouri. He moved 
to La Plata three years prior to his death. 

W. M. Gill. — Born in Indiana, August 21, 1843; died in Oakland, 
California, July 28, 1901. He came to Kirksville with his parents 
in 1855. In 1861 he went to Ottumwa, Iowa, where he learned 
the printer's trade. He enlisted in the Ninth losva Cavalry in 18G3. 
On returning to Kirksville he took up newspaper work. He was at 
first connected with the Journal from 1866 to 1873. From 1873 to 
1880 he was engaged in other business, but in 1880 he founded the Graph- 
ic and remained with it a year or two. In 1887 he was again connected 
with the Journal, but for a short time only. He then left Kirksville 
for good. 

A. E, Hamilton. — Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 21, 
1849; died in Marceline, Missouri, February 2, 1908. His father's 
family came to Missouri in 1861 and settled near Kirksville. He was 
engaged in mercantile business in several places in Adair County at 
different times, among which were Frye, Stahl, and Danforth. At the 
time of his death he was in business at Marceline. He was never married 
until 1907. He was a K. P. and a member of the M. E. Church. He 
was buried in the Bear Creek cemetery in Adair County. 

C. W. Hardin. — Born in Kentucky in 1814; died in Adair County 
on August 26, 1877. His father moved his familj^ from Kentucky to 
Randolph County, Missouri in 1817. After he became of age he came 
to Adair County. Prior to the civil war he was a meml)er of the county 
court of this county. He was also a member of {ho Masonic order. 
The funeral services were conducted at the Bai)tist church five miles 
northwest of Kirksville. 



In Memokiam. 431 

M. P. Hannah. — Born hi Bedford County, Tennessee, November 
4, 1807; died in Kirksville on (October 1(3, 1877. He moved to this 
county in 1844. He was engaged first in mercantile business and later 
in farming. His last days were spent in town. He was a prominent 
member of the Presbyterian church and of the Masonic order. His 
death came very suddenly, while apparently in his usual good health. 

J AS. L. Hawkins. — Born in South Carolina in 1810; died in Kirks- 
ville on March 30, 1888. He left South Carolina in 1852 and lived in 
Tennessee until 1859, when he came to Adair County. He served as 
presiding judge of the county court for a term of four years. He was a 
licensed minister of the Protestant Methodist chvu-ch. 

A. H. John. — Data concerning the birth and death of this gentle- 
man are lacking. But it is fitting that some recognition should be given 
to his position in Adair County. For years he was a prominent char- 
acter, especially in politics. He was much of an agitator, and not only 
spoke, but wrote several books on various economic questions. He 
was at one time editor of the Kirksville Democrat. The period of his 
greatest activity was in the seventies and eighties. 

Geo. H. Laughlin. — Born at Quincy, Illinois, December 28, 1838; 
died in Kirksville, November 16, 1895. His life was spent in preaching 
and teaching. He was a graduate of the Abingdon College, and for a 
number of years thereafter filled a variety of positions in different schools 
in Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Ohio, and Kansas. In 1891 he was called 
to the pastorate of the Christian Church in Kirksville, and in 1892 he 
was elected to fill the chair of Enghsh in the State Normal School at 
Kirksville. He continued in this last position down to the time of his 
death. He was survived by his wife and four sons. The funeral ser- 
vices occurred at the Christian Church. The remains were in charge 
of the Masons with an escort of K. P.'s. Of him it was said that "his 
life was a better encomium for him than pen can write." 

A. H. LiNDER. — Born in Hardin County, Kentucky, February 28, 
1812; died March 11, 1891. He hved in Kentucky until he reached 
majority. After living a few years in Illinois and Arkansas, he came 
to Adair County in 1840. He served in the Union army for nearly two 
\'ears, most of the time as major of the Seventh Missouri Cavalry. He 
was a member of the county court several times, and was among those 
who were directly responsil)le for the location of the First District Nor- 
mal School in Kirksville. He was married twice. 



432 The History of Adair County. 

W. P. LiNDER. — Born in Coles County, Illinois, March 8, 1839; 

died , . He was reared in Adair County, having been brought 

here when he was only one year old. He was in the Union army during 
the civil war. He served as County Judge from- 1887 to 1891. 

S. M. Link. — Born in Carrollton, Illinois, in 1837; died in Kirks- 
ville, September 1, 1904. At the age of twenty-one he went to Colo- 
rado. In 1867 he came to Kirksville, where he continued to reside 
until his death. He was at first engaged in the stock and implement 
business. Later he became connected with the I'irst National Bank, 
more commonlj^ known as the Baird Bank. For twenty years he was 
its President. He was an ardent member of the Baptist church, hav- 
ing joined it when only sixteen years of age. He was married in 1861 
to Miss Link; to them eight children were born, six of whom survived 
him. Of him it was said that "his quiet, unostentatious acts of charity 
towards the deserving poor, his kindly friendship for all the deserving, 
and his gentle life, strong in all the Christian graces of tenderness, gen- 
erosity and loving-kindness, will always be a constant example." 

D. F. McClay. — Born in Woodstock, Vermont in 1824; died at 
his residence in St. Louis in March, 1904. He was of Scotch descent. 
He moved from Vermont first to Illinois and then to Cahfornia. He 
located in Adair Countj^ near what is now Brashear, in 1856. He moved 
into the town in 1883 and did a great deal in the way of building up the 
town. Many of the brick business houses and better residences were 
built by him. He moved to St. Louis in 1898 to look after his invest- 
ments there. He was accustomed, however, to make frequent trips 
back to Brashear. He was survived by his wife and two sons. 

Wm. Meeks. — Born May 17, 1849, near Kirksville; died in Ar- 
tesia, New Mexico, June 1, 1909. He moved to Kansas in 1871, but 
returned to the old homestead near Kirksville in 1877. He served two 
terms as county collector from 1893 to 1897. He studied osteopathy, 
and after graduating in 1900 went to Illinois to practice, but returned 
to his farm in Adair County in 1903. Three years later he went to New 
Mexico, where he remained until he died. The remains were brought 
to Kirksville for burial. 

J. B. Mii'chp;ll. — Born in Abingdon, \'irginia, June 21, 1S21; 
died in Kirksville on March 12, 1901. He early entered the ministry 
and labored for many years in the Cumberland Presbyterian church. 



In Memortam. 433 

He was instrumpiital in foundinf^ Mc(i(M' ('()llej2;o, which was located in 
the early fifties at College Mound, midway hetwe(>n Moberly and Macon. 
After serving there for many years as President of that institution, he 
accepted the call to the pastorate of the Comberland Presbyterian church 
in Kirksville. From 1875 to 1893 he remained in charge of that ciiurch. 
He was beloved by all who knew him for his gentleness, integrity and 
deep piety. 

E. M. C. MoRELOCK. — Born in Tennessee in 1809; died at his home 
in the western part of the county on June 11, 1888. In 1851 he emi- 
grated to Missouri. He was county clerk of Adair County for six years. 
He was the founder of the Democrat which existed prioi- to the war, an 
account of which was given in the chapter on tlie County Press. He 
was a INIason and a Cumberland Presbyterian. 

Noah Motter. — Born in 1825 in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania; 
died at Fegley, Adair County, July 11, 1904. He was brought to young 
manhood in his native county. In 1848 he was married to Miss t*>usan 
Dubendorf , and in the same year he came to what was afterwards Nineveh 
township in Adair County. He was a very successful farmer and man- 
aged to amass a good deal of farming land. He was survived by five 
sons and two daughters. His wife died a few years before him. 

John R. Musick. — Born in St. Louis County, February 28, 1849; 
died in Omaha, Nebraska, April 14,1901. His life was largely spent in 
literary work. His best production was the Columbian Historical Novels 
in twelve volumes. On returning from the Hawaiian Islands he wrote 
for a New York house a large volume containing his observations. He 
also wrote a history of the Spanish-American War. He contributed 
short stories and other articles to a number of magazines He was for a 
time a member of the Republican State Central Committee, and was 
also for many years U. S. Commissioner at this place. He sustained 
some injuries in trying to give a,ssistance after the cyclone in April, 
1899, and never fully recovered. 

W. P. Nason. — Born in Fairfield District, South Carolina, May 16, 
1824; died at the home of his long time friend, W. T. Baird, Kirksville, 
July 16, 1909. Until he was twenty years old he lived on the farm, most 
of the time with his parents. Thereafter his life was devoted to teach- 
ing and preaching. He began teaching in Mississippi in 1849. From 
1853 to 1857 he taught in Carroll County, Kentucky. In the spring 



434 The History of Adair County. 

of 1857 ho cauie with his fellow-townsinan, W. T. Baird, to Kirksville, 
making the trip from Kentucky to La Grange, Missouri, l)y boat, and 
from La Grange to Kirksville on horseback. He taught in and around 
Kirksville for several years. In 1867 Prof. Baldwin organized the North- 
east Missouri Normal School, and Prof. Nason was one of the original 
faculty. He remained with the school until 1887. After severing his 
connection lie took up i)astoral work in the Cumberland Presbyterian 
church, and for two years conducted a school at La Belle, Missouri. 
He retired to private life in 1892. He was made Professor Emeritus 
of Ethics in the State Normal School at Kirksville in 1902, and remained 
so until his death. He was married twice. His first wife died in 1864, 
and his second onh^ a year or two before his own death. 

J. L Nelson. — Born in Lewiston County, Missouri, in 1848; died 
in Kirksville on February 1, 1891. He was graduated from Bethany 
College, Virginia, and entered the profession of teaching. He was 
elected to the chair of mathematics in the State Normal School at Kirks- 
ville in 1886, and filled it with great satisfaction to all until his death. 
The funeral was held at the Christian church. 

David Newcomb.— Born in Kentucky, ()ctol)er 27, 1808; died in 
Clay townshi]) January 16, 1892. He moved with his parents to Ohio, 
and thence to Illinois and Iowa. He came to Clay township in this 
county in 1856, and was among the earliest settlers in that part of the 
county. He was twice marric^d. 

G. W. NoviNGER. — Born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, Jan- 
uary 18, 1847; dietl near Novinger on November 17, 1901. He came to 
this county with his i)arents the same year in which he was born. He 
was married in 1867 to Miss Mary Motter, who with thnn* sons, sur- 
vived him. He was among those who organized the Mulberry Com- 
berland Presbyterian church southwest of Novinger. He was a promi- 
nent Mason. He was elected County Judge in 1882. He was fatally 
hurt in a rimaway as he was coming home from church one Sunday after- 
noon and di''d Ix'foi'e night. 

Hiram Novixger. — Born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, De- 
cember 14, 1849; died near Novinger, July 27, 1909. He came with his 
father, John C. Novinger, to Adair County in 1851. He was married 
in 1856 to Miss Sarah Weisse. To this union thr(>(^ ciiildren were born, 
all of whom, together with his wife, survived him. 



In Memoriam. 435 

Isaac Novincjkr.- liorn in Dauphin ('ounty, Pcnnsylxania, March 
12, 1815; died near Novinpjer, A(hiir County, December 11, 1884. He 
was married to Miss Christiana Shooj) in 1837. In order that th(nr con- 
dition might be bettered tliey moved to Adair County in 1847, bringing 
their seven children. He located on the site of what is now Novinger. 
He later traded his original farm for tlie one now occupied by his son, 
S. A. Novinger. His widow died August 3, 1897. 

John C. Novinoer. — Born in Dauphin Count>', PcMmsylvania, 
March 19, 1812; died at Novinger, September 4, 1890. He came to 
Adair County in 1851, and settled near the town of Novinger, which 
he subsequently laid out. The funeral was preached at Novinger 
Schoolhouse, and liis remains were buried on the farm of his son, Hiram. 

J. T. Paden.- Born in Georgia, June 6, 1848; died in Kirksville, 
August 16, 1884. He moved to Johnson County, Missouri, in early 
youth, and in the course of time he prepared himself for teaching. He 
was graduated from the State Normal School at Warrensburg in 1879, 
and was thereafter given a position in the State Normal School at Kirks- 
ville. He was noted for his success as a teacher and a student. He 
was a devoted member of the Christian church. Memorial services 
were held in his honor at the Normal School on November 2, 1884. 

W. H. Parcells. — Born in Hardin County, Kentucky, in 1815; 
died in Adair County, on January 19, 1898. He came in 1838 in com- 
pany with his cousin, W. P. Linder, to this county (then a part of Ma- 
con County), making the trip from Kentucky on horseback. He re- 
turned to Kentucky, and the next year brought his parents, sister and 
five brothers. They settled three miles below Sloan's Point. After 
Kirksville was laid out he engaged in mercantile business at that place. 
He was among the forty-niners of California, but returned in 1851 and 
re-engaged in business in Kirksville. He was elected as Kepresentative 
to the Legislature in 1854, 1856, and 1860. He was active in securing 
the location of the State Normal School in Kirksville. In 1872 he re- 
tired to his farm, where he remained until his death. 

Chas. Patterson. — Born in Sweden in 1825; died in Kirksville, 
January 1, 1891. He came to this country in 1849, and settled in Louis- 
ville, Kentucky. He came to Adair ( 'ounty in 1856 and remained here until 
his death. He began the nursery business in 1866, and made a marked 
success in it. He was very active in encouraging horticulture and be- 
longed to several state and national horticultural societies. 



436 The History of Adair County. 

H. E. Patterson. — Born east of Kirksville July 13, 1860; died in 
Washington, D. C, April 10, 1902. He was long engaged in the nur- 
sery business near Kirksville, and later in the real estate and insurance 
business. He fill(Ml a number of appointive offices in the city, and in 
1885 helped organize the Kirksville Building and Loan Association. 
In 1888 he helped organize the first electric light company in the town. 
In 1893 he began to study osteopathy in the American School of Osteo- 
pathy, and held several official positions in that school. He left Kirks- 
ville on account of his poor health and finally settled down in Washing- 
ton, D. C. in the practice of osteopathy. He lived only a short time after 
going there. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, 
and was ruling elder in Kirksville for many years. 

John Patterson. — Born in Sweden in ; died in Kirksville, 

February 25, 1909. He and his brother, Chas. Patterson, came to Adair 
County in 1856, and entered the quarter section of land on which he 
died. From time to time he purchased land adjoining his original tract, 
until he came to own a very fine and well equii)ped dairy farm. He was 
active in developing Adair County, and was a very prominent member 
of the State Board of Agriculture and the State Dairy Association. He 
built the first silo in Adair County. As a lecturer on agriculture and 
dairying he was very successful. He was buried at Sabbath Home 
cemetery. 

Walker Paul. — Born in Kentucky in 1818; died in 1889. He 
moved from Kentucky to Ralls County, Missouri, and about 1853 he 
came on to Adair County. He laid out the town of Paulville, which 
flourished for several years, but which succumbed after the town of Bra- 
shear was laid out. 

D. C. Pierce. — Born in 1844; died in Kirksville, January 
9, 1907. He had been a resident of Kirksville for over fifty years. He 
was circuit clerk and recorder from 1874 to 1878, and postmaster under 
Cleveland's second administration. He was engaged in mercantile 
business at different times, and was very successful. He was a Mason 
and a Cumberland Presbyterian. 

FjDWARD ]j. Pierce. — Born in Montgomery County, New York, in 
March, 1813; (li(>d in Kirksville on April 8, 1872. He movetl to Missouri 
in 1856. He practiced medicine for many years in Kirksville. He was 
a memix'r of the C'umberland Presbvterian church. 



In Memoriam. 437 

W. T. Porter. — Born October 4, 1881 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; 
(lied June 1(), 1871, in Kirksville after a lonji; illness. His family moved 
from Pennsylvania to Missouri in 1849, locating in Cole County. In 
1855 he came to Kirksville and began the practice of law. In 1856 he 
was elected County School Sujierinteudent on the Democratic ticket, 
and in 1858 he was appointed county attorney by the county court. In 
1860 he was elected circuit clerk and served until 1865, when he was re- 
moved by the law which vacated all offices at that time. He was struck 
with paralysis in 1860 and never fully recovered. "Genial and social in 
his intercourse with his fellowmen, he endeared himself to all with whom 
he became accpiainted, and in his death Adair County loses one of her 
best and most honored citizens," said the North Missom-i Register at 
that time. 

Gideon Riciiey. — Born in York County, Pennsylvania, September 
28, 1790. In 1810 he moved to Ohio, and in 1849 to Indiana. In 1856 
he came to Adair County. He was the father of thirteen children, one 
of whom, John Richey, served as county clerk of Adair County. He 
taught school for several years while in Ohio, but most of his time was 
given to farming. In Ohio, Indiana and Missouri he lived the life of a 
pioneer on the farm. 

R. M. RiNGO. — Born in Clay County, Indiana, February 5, 1834; 
died in Kirksville, January 29, 1909. At the age of seven he moved with 
his parents to Adair County. He was never able to attend school until 
after he became of age; and then his schooling consisted of only one 
month out of twelve for three years in a school at Kirksville, which he 
reached by walking ten miles every Monday morning. He was elected 
county clerk in 1859, and after his term expired, began in the mercantile 
business. In 1873 he organized the Kirksville Savings Bank, and re- 
mained connected with it in one capacity or another until his death. 
His popularity and business ability enabled him to l)uild up a strong 
financial institution. He was married in 1869 to Miss Haynes. Four 
children were born, one dying in infancy. His wife died a few years 
before he died. 

Wm. Ringo. — Born in 1797; died in Montgomery County, Kansas, 
on October 9, 1875. He came to Adair County in 1841 and remained 
here until 1865, when he moved to Nebraska and later to Kansas. He 
was the father of R. M. Ringo, long connected with the Kirksville Sav- 
ings Bank. 



438 The History of Adair County. 

E. B. Seitz. — Born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 14, 1846; 
died in Kirksville, Octo])er 8, 1883. His life was largely spent in the 
school room. He was graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 
1870, and taught in the CJreenville (Ohio) High School from 1872 to 
1879. In 1879 he was elected to the chair of mathematics in the State 
Normal School at Kirksville, which position he continued to fill until 
Ins death. He sustained a reputation, which was world-wide, for his 
ability in mathematics. Memorial exercises were held in honor of his 
work and character at the Normal School chapel on October 21, 1883, 
at which addresses were made by President Blanton, Professor Nason, 
and Rev. Mitchell. 

Jacob Siioop. — Born November 1, 1805, in Pennsylvania; died 
at Nineveh, Adair County, Missouri, on January 20, 1874. He moved 
his family from Pennsylvania to Ralls County, Missouri, in 1838, and 
thence to Nineveh, Adair County, in 1841. He settled on the farm on 
which he died. By industry and perseverance he acquired a compe- 
tency for himself and family. He was married twice: first to Miss 
Polly Snyder in 1825; second to Miss M. Snyder, in 1851. 

P. D. Shoop.— Born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, March 
15, 1834: died near Novinger, January 10, 1902. He came to Adair 
County in 1841. He was married to Miss Schountz in 1858. Only two 
of their seven children survived him. He was at one time county judge. 

W. H. Sheeks. — Born in Wayne County, Kentucky, May 8, 1822; 
dird near Kirksville, December 19, 1910. During the fall of 1828 he 
was brought by his parents to Randolph County, Missouri, and there 
raised to his majority. He was married in 1840 to Miss Mary Fletcher, 
and thereupon moved to Macon County. In 1849 he moved to Kirks- 
ville. He was elected sheriff of the county in 1855 and served for four 
years. He afterwards moved to his farm in the county, on which he 
remained mi til about 1891, when \w returned to Kirksville and lived 
from that time on in retirement. He was visiting his daughter south- 
east of Kirksville at the time of his death. Had he lived until the fol- 
lowing C'hristmas he and his wife would have celebrated their seventieth 
weelding anniversary. He was a Cumberland Presbyterian, but later 
became a Universalist in belief. He was a Mason. 

John T. Smith. — Pjorn in 1813; died in Livingston, Montana, 
June 29, 1890. He came to the county in the early forties, and was one 



In Memoria.m. 430 

of the original five who founded the Cumberland Presbyterian church 
in Kiikisville. He was the representative of the county in the State Leg- 
isUiture from 1853 to 1855. He was a farmer and owned what is now 
called the Kinloch Farm. He movinl to Montana several years before 
his death. 

Noah Htukey. — Born in Lancaster, Ohio. December 28, 1814; 
died near Millard, Adair County, December 8, 1887. He came to Adair 
County in 1840 and located on a farm near Millard, on which he resided 
until his death. He served as a member of the county court several 
terms. lie became a member of the Lutheran church before coming to 
Missouri. Of him it was said that "he was one of that number that in 
an early day gave to Adair County a healthy and honest population, 
stamping upon it and those that came later, the impetus of integrity, 
economy and progress." 

J. T. Vaughn. — Born in Monroe County, Missouri, November 21, 
1857; died very mysteriously in Kirksville October 14, 1909. He grew 
to manhood on his father's farm. After graduating from Westminster 
College at Fulton, Missouri, in 1880, he began teaching. He filled several 
public school positions throughout the state, particularly in Paris, Monroe, 
Shelbina and Neosho. In 1900 he was elected to the chair of American 
History in the State Normal School at Kirksville, which position he 
filled until the time of his death. He was buried at Monroe City. Me- 
morial services were held in the Normal School chapel on the Sunday 
following his death. He was a Mason and Knight Tem])lar and a firm 
Presbyterian. A bronze memorial tablet was placed in his honor by 
the students and faculty on the walls of the chapel, during commence- 
ment week of 1910. 

A. L. Woods. — Born in Indiana Sept. 27, 1833; cUed in Kirksville, 
December 19, 1883. For over twenty-five years he was a citizen of 
Kirksville. He was prominently identified with the social, religious 
and political activities of the town and county. He dropped dead in 
the post office while talking to an acquaintance. His widow, who 
was Miss Ivie, still lives in Kirksville. 



PART II. 

Reminiscences 



REMINISCENCES. 

George W. Cain. 

IVly father, John Cain, was a native of North CaroHna, wiiere he 
was born in 1770. In his early manhood he emigrated to Kentucky 
and became a warm personal friend and intimate associate of Daniel 
Boone. When that celebrated hunter and Indian fighter came to 
Missouri in the early part of last century, my father came with him 
and settled in Howard County. In about 1828 he made a trip with 
some others to this section, but did not stay here. Two years later, 
in 1830, he brought his family to what is now Adair County, settled 
here and entered land, a part of which I now own. He lived here till 
his death in 1853, and at that time owned 840 acres, all in one body. 
He was a splendid type of the hardy pioneer, a type fast disappearing, 
and which the world never again shall know. They were strong and 
brave, for they must needs be to survive. It was another case of the 
survival of the fittest, for the weakhng fell by the wayside and was for- 
gotten. He was twice married, his first wife being Emily Hill, a cousin 
of the late Senator David B. Hill. I was a child by his second wife, 
and was born on the farm where I now live, six miles west of Kirksville, 
in 1833. I claim the distinction of being the first white child Ijorn in 
the region of what is now knoAvn as Adair County. Although there 
are other claimants for this honor, I believe I have fully established 
my claims to the unbiased and disinterested. 

Conditions are, of course, much different here now from what they 
were as I remember them when a boy. The inhabitants of the county 
were very few and widely scattered, for the most part, and our nearest 
neighbors were miles away. The GuUeys, Gupps, Myers, Richardsons, 
Bozarths, Col. Jones, and a few others, are all the famihes I remember 
here in my early boyhood. 

Farming was carried on in a very primitive fashion, mostly with 
wooden plows and ox teams, with only a little patch of corn here and 
there, and no other crop was raised. There were very few cattle and 
hogs and almost no horses. In 1837 Col. Jesse Jones came herefrom 
Macon County, bringing a lot of cattle, hogs, and negro slaves. Hog 
and cattle raising soon then became more general. "Aunt Margaret" 
Jones, now living at Kirksville, was one of the slaves of Col. Jones, but 
I believe was born in this countv after he moved here. 



444 The History of Adair County. 

There were no stores in this section at all when I was a boy, and 
our nearest trading ]ioint was in Howard County, nearly one hundred 
miles away. There we had to go to get our supplies, and the trip was 
always made on foot. The only supphes purchased was ammunition, 
for the country itself furnished all the food and clothing we had. I 
renu'mber a man by the name of Eli Mason who nearly always made 
this trip and brought back ammunition for the entire neighborhood. 

Our food consisted of wild game, honey, maple syrup and corn 
bread. There were no mills of any kind for the grinding of the corn. 
It was ground either in a ''mortar" or on a "gritter." The "mortar" 
was a hollowed out stump of a sycamore log, fixed by burning coals 
on it. The corn was poured in this and beat up with an iron wedge 
on the end of a stick. The "gritter" was a piece of tin, punched full 
of holes, like a nutmeg grater, and fastened to a board. The ear of 
corn was pushed back and forth over this and meal was thus ground. 
This could only be done after the corn had been soaked or when it was 
comparatively green. Bee trees were in abundance and plenty of ma- 
ples to tap for syrup. There was no lack of meat, for wild game was 
more than plentiful; bear, deer, some buffalo, wild turkeys, pheasants, 
quails, prairie chickens and pigeons were here in abundance. 1 have 
often seen the whole sky dark with pigeons. 

I was at least ten years old before I saw any wheat. It was raised 
by Bilhe Collett, on the farm where Ira now lives. He also raised some 
timothy there that year, the first I ever saw. Our first flour was also 
beaten, and I well reinem))er the first biscuits I ever tasted, made from 
this flour. I did not like it nnich, for I wasn't used to that kind of stuff. 

Our clothes were made almost altogether of wool, flax and hemp, 
all the work being done at home. We raised our sheep, carded and 
spun our wool and wove our cloth. The hemp and flax were also raised 
on the farm, and were made into cloth by the women of the family. 
The only thing we ever bought for clothes was a little cotton, to be 
woven with the wool to make jeans for pants, and often this was not 
available. 

Our footwear was mostly moccasins, made of deer skin or buffalo 
hide. Later Wm. McPhetridge, father of the present Win. McPhet- 
ridge, who lives just south of Novinger, came here and began to make 
shoes. We then tanned our own leather and Mr. McPhetridge made 
our shoes. He made for me the first pair of shoes I ever owned, and 
the first ever made in this county. Soon after this Wash Conner started 
a tan-yard, just north of where Ira Collett now lives. 



Reminiscences. 445 

Our plowing was all done with ploA\s having a wooden mold-hoard; 
our wagons wore of our own manufacture and made entirely of \^-ood, 
no iron about them. The wheels were solid pieces of wood, sawed from 
the butt end of a sycamore log, with a hole iwred in the center for the 
axle, and all was put together with wooden pins. Our farm work was 
all done with ox teams. 

Soon the county became more densely popidated and a store was 
started by Samuel AVithrow, where Sohn now lives, about four miles 
northwest of Kirksville. This was the first store in the county and was 
established long before Kirksville was thought of. Later a post office 
was established there, the first in the county, and Mr. Withrow was 
appointed postmaster. 

I well remember the trouble Wash Conner had in getting a letter 
sent here to him from his brother. At that time the postage was paid 
by the man getting the letter when he received it. There was a letter 
there for Wash and the postage was ten cents. He had many hunderds 
of dollars worth of hides and leather, but no money, and Mr. Withrow 
would not give him his letter without it. He came to my father to bor- 
row the amount, but he was in the same financial condition, for there 
was no money in the country, our trade being altogether Ijy barter. 
He then went to Col. Jones, but he had no money. Finally it was 
found that "Nigger Jim," one of Col. Jones' slaves, had just ten cents. 
Wash borrowed the money from him and got his letter. 

I remember very distinctly the founding of the city of Kirksville, 
and the trouble Kirk and Sloan had over its location, each of them want- 
ing it on his land. 

The first store was started there by Thomas and John Howe. They 
ran it for several years and then sold out to Wm. Parcells. The first 
saloon in Kirksville was, I believe, started by Howard Sheeks. The 
buildings were all of logs, and the goods were hauled overland from 
Quincy. 

There were many stirring events following the settlement of this 
county, but as they will be handled by Prof. Violette, it is not necessary 
for me to dwell on them here. I have told simply of the old times, 
things that perhaps no other people on earth, or yet to be, shall 
ever ex})erience. They contain many lessons for this and future gen- 
erations; and if what I have put down shall add a mite to the sum of 
human joy or help in the slightest the splendid progress of our people, 
it will make sweeter the cup of my own happiness. I am nearing the 
end of a long journey; my faithful and beloved companion has already- 
"gone home," and this will proljably be the last time I shall do any- 



446 The History of Adair County. 

tliinji; of this sort; so I desire herewith to bid all ({odspec^d and wish 
them success and happiness. I have seen this section grow from a 
wilderness to a mighty empire, and I am glad I have had even a small 
part in it. I feel, however, that it has only just begun and even greater 
things ar(> yet in store for our people. Geo. AV. Caix. 

William T. Baird. 

My acquaintance with Kirksville began March 21st, 1857, when 
Prof. W. P. Nason and I rode into Kirksville from La Grange, Mo. On 
entering the "village" from the southeast the first man we met and 
spoke to, was W. H. Sheeks, of whom we enquired for Mr. James Cog- 
hill, a farmer. Mr. Sheeks was the sheriff of Adair County, and later 
when we got to know him, he said the fact we enquired for James Cog- 
hill kept him "from arresting us as horse thieves." With the help 
of Prof. Nason 1 secured a school in what was known as the David A. 
Ely District. The school house was located in a little hickory thicket 
near Mr. James Coghill's residence. It was a log structure with pmi- 
cheon floor. The seats were split logs supported by two short sticks 
in each end. One log was cut out in one end of the building and filled 
with a row of 8 x 10 glass for a window. I banged on the door with a 
stick when I wanted my "students" to come to "books." We rode 
around often in wagons drawn by oxen. I remember of calling on a 
young lady one Saturday night, and on Sunday morning the family, 
"my girl" and myself all went to a "meeting" at a cross country school 
house in an "ox wagon," driving through the prairie grass, scaring up 
the prairie chickens and rabbits, and we were happy and haci a good 
tim(\ Of course, I staid with the family until Monday morning. 

.\t that time Kirksville was a small village, not a church nor a 
school house in town. The county had erected a brick court house in 
the public square, where our present magnificent court house now stands. 
Church services were all held in the court house. A Sunday school 
was organized and held its sessions there also. There was a fence around 
the public square, with eight entrances to the court house. There 
were no sidewalks except in some places a long plank was laid in front 
of the houses; but very soon walks were being laid, first two feet wide, 
then four feet. The teams were hitched to the fence around the square, 
and later a lieavy chain on posts was placed around the square a few 
feet from the U'ucc for hitch racks. 

Ther(> was a saloon in an old shack of a house standing just about 
Avhere Ben Henri's drug store is now located, and a man rode up and 



Reminiscences. 447 

hitcluMl liis lu)rs(> jvist opposite this saloon and went into this divo and 
shot and killed a man and broke for his horse which had gotten between 
the hitehrack and the fence, untied the horse, mounted and rode away 
at break-neck si)eed, passing out at an opening on tlie east side and 
went north, pursued closely by a number of men from the start, made 
his escape and has never been heard of since. I was in the bank on the 
corner, heard the shot, saw the fellow run, mount his horse and ride away. 

Better things soon began to develo}). The Cumberland Presby- 
terians began the erection of a building for a school to be known as 
"Cumberland Academy." This became the property of the State and 
the First District Normal School was organized in this building. The 
first church building erected in Kirksville was a little frame on a lot 
where the M. E. Church now stands. This was done by J. H. Wesscher, 
an M. D. and a Free Will Baptist preacher. The first school house 
built in Kirksville was erected by Prof. W. P. Nason as his personal 
property. This was used for religious services, preaching, prayer meet- 
ing and Sunday school. 

We had no railroad and no modern conveniences whatever. 1 
have seen the wild deer bounding through the hazel brush on what is 
now the beautiful Normal campus. The old stage coach was a great 
attraction as it came rolling in from Canton and Macon, with a big 
horn blowing to let the people know the "mail" was coming, and the 
people would gather at the post office and listen for their names to be 
called, hapi)y to get a letter from home. 

Alex. Sherwood built a two-story business house on the south side 
of the square, and the second story v/as used as a hall for public gath- 
erings. This was the first place of the kind in Kirksville. The Masonic 
Lodge Avas held in the second story over Ben Murphy's saloon. After 
the battle of 1862 the Enrolled Mifitia was organized for home protec- 
tion by State authority, and we had to do regulai- military duty. So 
one night Joseph Baum and myself were stationed on the road north of 
town as pickets, about one mile out; and along after midnight we were 
called on with the alarming statement that two of our pickets on the 
road east of town had been captured by the "rebels" and a fight was 
imminent. So we all gathered in and about the court house, ready for 
battle. Scouts were sent out to reconnoiter and report. But no enemy 
could be found. At daybreak that morning our two captured "pick- 
ets" were found in the home of Mr. Rice, resting sweetly in a feather 
bed. So they were i^ublicly turned out of the company in disgrace. 

The first passenger train arrived here July 18th, 1868, at 11:30 
a. m. Its arrival was hailed with great joy and enthusiasm by the peo- 



448 The History of Adair County. 

pie assembled en masse. It remained here until 3:42 p. m., a wonder- 
ful sight to many natives who had never seen a railroad train l^efore. 
I have seen Kirksville when it was a little village of a few hundred 
people living in small cottages on the public square and immediately 
surrounding it, not a business house of importance having been erected. 
These have been moved off or burned down, and their places filled with 
good brick business houses of two and three stories, occupied by thrifty, 
enterprising merchants and bankers, lousiness and professional men; 
fine residences, schools, churches and hospitals and factories, and a 
city of 8,000 enterprising people, with paved streets, good sidewalks, 
two railroads and modern conveniences, and many beautiful and lovely 
homes. But we had many hard battles to fight for righteousness and 
against king alcohol, gambling and kindred vices. I am told that in 
the early days the temperance men bought out the saloons, with an 
agreement that they would quit the business, and the whiskey was 
emptied out on the ground. But this was only temporary, and the 
fight was on again. Later a "]^eague of Honor" was formed, on account 
of the terrible onslaught liquor drinking was having on society here. 
A pledge of "sacred honor" to abstain from drinking for one year 
was solemnly signed. There were nineteen names of "jolly good fel- 
lows" placed to this pledge, and they were followed })y twelve more, 
and there were eleven non-drinking members joined the "League of 
Honor." Every honorable means was used for the betterment and 
uplift of the people of town and county. One of the strongest factors 
in the effort for the cause of righteousness and the good of humanity, 
was Prof. W. P. Nason. He was my teacher in Kentucky and my close 
bosom friend, and we came to this county together. He was a Presby- 
terian, an uncompromising temperance man, a strong and forceful 
speaker. I think a word here about this good man will not be out of 
place. Pie was one of the best friends I ever had. In 1858, at the 
earnest solicitation of many friends, he became a candidate for county 
school commissioner. While he made his canvass of the county for the 
office, I had sole charge of his school in Kirksville. He was elected by 
a good majority in August, and re-elected in 1860. He was a man of 
strong convictions and fearless in his defense for right living, and a ter- 
ror to evil doers. He knew nearly every man in the county and made 
his impress for good all over the county and in town. In 1807, in con- 
nection with Prof. Joseph Baldwin and J. M. (Jreenwood, they organ- 
ized a i)rivatc Normal School here, which later became the First Dis- 
trict State Nornud School. He remained with the State Normal School 
for twenty years, most of the time as \'ice-l^resident, and one year 



Reminiscences. 449 

acting President . He was a man of high ideals and made an impres- 
sion for good on the hearts and hves of multitudes of young men and 
women; his students, who honor, love and revere his memory, are num- 
berless and call him "blessed." He was ordained as s minister of the 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and was a strong advocate of the 
union of the Presbyterian and Cumberland Presbyterian churches in 
1900, and was happy over the union of the two Presbyterian churches 
in Kirksville. Prof. Nason was born in South Carolina, May 16th, 
1824, and (Ued in the home of his life-time friend, W. T. Baird, Kirks- 
ville, Missouri, July 16th, 1909. The funeral and memorial services 
were held Monday, July 19th in the Presbyterian church, attended by 
a large number of friends here and from abroad. These services were 
conducted by the pastor, Rev. W. C. Templeton, D. D., assisted by 
Kev. W. H. Johnston, and were solemn, appropriate and impressive. 
Business houses were closed. Beautiful tributes and eulogies were 
given by Hon. S. M. Pickler, Dr. John R. Kirk, President of the Normal 
School, and Miss Ermine Owen, all given in tender love of his work and 
worth, showing the high esteem in which he was held. Mr. Pickler 
said of Prof. Nason: "He was one of nature's noblemen. He was kind, 
gentle, earnest, positive, energetic, persevering in the good, and invinc- 
i])le in his stand for morality and right. He was a teacher, a student, 
and helper and a positive inspiration to higher ideals to many young men 
and women in the classroom. His enthusiasm and good cheer and 
genial disposition were like rays of sunshine, blessing and brightening 
all within their benign presence.". 

(Others said beautiful and loving words in behalf of this great and 
noble Christian man, a man Avho loved and honored God and accepted 
Jesus Christ as his Savior, Lord and Master. Surely, a good man has 
gone, a "prince in Israel has fallen." "Blessed are the dead which die 
in the Lord. Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their la- 
bors, and their works do follow them," He believed in being punctual 
and faithful in meeting his engagements, and was an "on timer." 

W. T. Baird. 

Mes. Jacob F. Waddill. 

Kirksville, as I remember it during my childhood, was a very small 
hamlet, with no railroads, no churches, no school buildings. The houses 
were built for shelter, not for display or luxury. Furniture was crude, 
much of it made by the fathers of the household. The floors Avere 
either bare or covered with home-made rag carpets. There were no 

30 



450 The History of Adair County. 

theaters, no shows, the only amusement being the old-fashioned husk- 
ing-bees, quiltings, spelling and singing schools. How we enjoyed 
going to a corn husking or a quilting! The women would work all day, 
complete the task in the afternoon, then prepare supper for their hus- 
bands and the young people of the village. After supper the table was 
cleared away and young and old joined in a dance. These little events 
were quite welcome, breaking as they did the dull routine of daily life. 

The rural schools of the county were tj^Dical of the schools in the 
sparsely settled districts of that early period. I once attended a blab- 
bing school in the early days, situated in the old Billington field east of 
Kirksville. What an uproar there was, with everyone spelling or read- 
ing aloud continually, and nobody making any real progress. I also 
attended another rural school about three miles east of Kirksville. It 
was a small log building, furnislied with seats hewn from huge logs. 
A log was removed from one side of the house to let in the light, as there 
were no windows. The ground was covered with loose planks which 
served as a floor. How well I rememlier that little schoolhouse and the 
glorious, happy days spent there. The scener.v about was beautiful. 
Situated on a hill covered with bluegrass, and in the background a grove 
of trees which furnished delightful shade for our sports at playtime; 
it is a picture I shall never forget. 

At one time we had a teacher who would often drop into a heavy 
sleep. We would then scurry out of doors and thoroughly enjoy our- 
selves at play until he awoke and drove us back to our books. This 
offense was often committed, willing to receive severe chastisement 
if we might have the keen pleasure of stolen play. Our teacher had 
other forms of punishment besides the lash. Although school was 
seldom going on during the winter, we had an old stick chimney in the 
schoolhouse. Often the teacher would stand a child in the corner of 
this chimney for disobeying a rule. Sometimes two would be enjoying 
this punishment at once. I say enjoying, because when the teacher's 
back was turned the youngsters furnished amusement for themselves 
and the other pupils by putting soot on each other's faces. Another 
form of punishment, not so much enjoyed perhaps, was making a pupil 
sit on the floor and place his finger in a crack between the planks. So 
common did this become that the teacher simply said, "Jimmy, take 
your place," and the boy knew what was expected of him. The sun 
was our time-piece. The teacher drew a line on the floor to show where 
the sun would shine at high noon, and judged the time by how far the 
sun deviated from that line. 



Reminiscences. 451 

The first school I attended in the city of Kirksville was held in a 
frame Iniilding on the east side of the square. At the time of the war 
there was an academy where the Ringo place now stands. 

Farming was carried on only on a small scale. Farm ini])lements 
were rather crude. The soil was prepared with a single shovel plow; 
planting was done by hand, and the common garden hoe was nmch 
used in the field. The farmer cradled his wheat and cut his hay with a 
scythe. Oxen were much used on the farm, and families would go a 
long distance in a wagon drawn by a team of oxen, to visit friends or 
relatives. 

In very early days the home was the center of industry in Adair 
County. The housewives picked the wool, washed it, and sent it by 
their husbands to a carding machine in Howard County, or over the 
line in the state of Iowa. Sometimes the wool was there exchanged for 
clothes, sometimes brought back to the home and woven into cloth or 
spun into yarn. The wives and daughters made the mittens and stock- 
ings for the family, spending their spare moments in making laces and 
other things used by the household. Later a wool factory was estab- 
lished at Kirksville, and situated west of where Mrs. Scott's residence 
is now located, near the 0. K. railway. This seemed a luxury to the 
people of the little town of Kirksville and regions about. The men took 
their corn and wheat to Panabaker mill, near the present town of Youngs- 
town. Here it was ground and taken back home to be used for bread. 
As the town began to gain slowly stores were established. Mr. Hannah, 
familiarly known as Uncle Batton, conducted a general store on the 
square. Later Mr. Thatcher went into the same business. 

For a long time there were no hotels, but they sprang into existence 
as a demand for them grew. Grandmother Kirk, wife of Jesse Kirk, 
for whom the city was named, started what was perhaps the first hotel 
in Kirksville, which she conducted for a time where the Miller-Town- 
send store now stands. Later Mrs. William Ivie, who had been left a 
widow by the death of her husband, a Christian minister, conducted a 
hotel at the same location. There were frequent visitors at these 
taverns, coming from Macon in a hack which made regular trips 
between the two towns. 

The second Adair County court house stood on the public square 
and the different religious denominations held services in same room 
there. The people were unpretentious in their dress. Most of the 
women and girls wore calico to church. A few had clothing of more 
costly material. As the town grew church buildings were erected. 

I have heard my grandmother tell of her fear of the Indians in the 



452 The History of Adair County. 

pioneer period. 8he often had to stay at home alone with her chil- 
dren for a week at a time while her husband took the wool to Howard 
County. One day she was working about the house when three In- 
dians came and looked in at the door. The baby was playing on the 
floor. She heard one of the Indians say, "Make nice white chief." 
She frantically picked up her child, afraid it would be stolen l)y them. 
There were Indians about in my girlhood days, and deer, wolves, wild 
turkeys and other game were plentiful when I was young. 

Then came the period filled with hardship, fear, danger and suf- 
fering — the period of the Civil War. I was then living with my father- 
in-law, John Waddill, on the farm now owned by Geo. Butler. 
Each night my father-in-law took his gun and slept away from the 
house, afraid he would be molested. One morning as we were about 
our work some of Porter's men came to the house asking for food. We 
prepared corn cakes as (]uickly as we could, but could no took them fast 
enough, as the soldiers came in such great crowds. So famished were 
they that they went to the smokehouse and ate raw bacon and cabbage 
— in fact, devoured whatever they could find. Soon they began to 
leave, as McNeil's men were close upon their trail. The sokUers planted 
a cannon at the gate and we thought there would be a blood}' fight at 
our very door, but they passed on This was on the sixth day of Au- 
gust, the same day of the battle at Kirksville. Soon after the soldiers 
passed on a man came running in saying a dead man was not far from 
the house. We found the man near the home of G. W. Butler, now the 
old Johnny Waddill place. It was old Mr. Dye, who had been shot 
by rebel scouts. Mr. Waddill and his neighbors took the body to the 
Waddill graveyard, where they buried it. When word was received 
about the fight at Centralia, Missouri, there was much excitement, as 
many Kirksville boys were stationed there. Many of them were killed, 
some of their bodies being shipped to their people here for burial. James 
Waddill, brother of Jacob Waddill, Avas killed at that place. His body 
was never identified and had probably been buried before his relatives 
reached there. 

One of the saddest instances I remember in connection with the 
Civil War was the bringing home of the body of John Oldham, who was 
sentenced and shot at Macon City for disobeying military rule. Those 
who knew him well say his disobedience was caused })y fear, which ren- 
dered him incapable of self-control. His father's house was where George 
Grassle now lives. When the body was brought to the home some 
Union soldiers who were stationed at Kirksville, stoned the house. We 
could hear the shrieks and screams of his people, who were already 



Reminiscences. 453 

taxed to the utmost by tlu> strain upon tluMii, ;is the soldiers pelted the 
house with rocks. Our liouse liad a nunibei- of l)ullet lioles in it as the 
result of the war. 

When peace Ijroke forth the people began to improve the little town 
of Kirksville. Growth was slow at first, but after a time became steady 
and sure. The little academy, which served its mission as hospital 
during the war, gradually grew, was made a State institution and be- 
came the great school which we know today. Other things kept pace 
with it. Thus Kirksville grew from one little log cabin, which was 
built by my grandfather, Jesse Kirk, for whom the city was named, to 
the beautiful city of today — the Athens of North America. 

Mrs. J. F. Waddill. 

Mrs. Otis Miller. 

When Indians yet lived in Adair County; when wild turkey, wolves 
and deer roamed about the uncleared forests which are now cultivated; 
when everything aljout was undeveloped, men used to follow a trail 
from Howard County, going along Salt River, east of Kirksville, hunting 
bees. My father, David E. Sloan, and neighbors were following this trail 
one day, when he found a place near old Wilson Town, where he de- 
cided to make a home. He entered land there, built a log house, and 
brought my mother to her new home in 1839. There I was born six 
months later, and brought to Kirksville when six weeks old. We lived 
in a cabin which my father built. There were but three or four houses 
in Kirksville, and they were l)uilt of logs. 

The first school I attended was held in the court room in the first 
Adair County court house, which stood where the National Bank is 
located. David James, the first county and circuit clerk of Adair 
County, who had his office in the court house at that time, used to amuse 
the children by cutting paper baskets w^iich he liung up with, string 
and filled with pebbles. Our first teacher was Nathan Taylor, who 
afterward went to California, died on the plains and was eaten by the 
wolves. 

When I was young we wore linsey dresses with l^right stripes around 
the skirt. Our sheets were woven from flax and we had flax buttons 
on our clothing, which was made of home-made material. 

The first stores I remember were conducted by Jesse Coleman 
Thatcher and "Uncle Patton" Hannah. Howard Sheeks had a groggery 
shop near our home. Our mother would hardly allow us to steal a 
glance in that direction. We lived in a house, part wood and part 
frame, where Murphy-Mills & Garges' store now stands. 



454 The History of Adair County. 

When j>;r()\vn I married and lived in the country for a time. Dur- 
ing the war, however, I hved in a home where Hermann Herboth now 
has a residence, on North High street. On the morning of August 6th, 
1862, I went to my sister's to borrow a washboard. She hved in the 
home place. I didn't know there was a soldier in town, but when I 
reached there the house was full of rebels, who were much excited, and 
talking of the coming fight. I hurried home, and seeing a toy which 
belonged to the children — a drum on which was painted a picture of a 
Union flag, I took it and hid it in the cellar, fearing the rebels might see 
it and do us harm. I was preparing to take my two children and go to 
the cellar for safety, when my mother came, and against my protest, 
sent the children to the country with a minister who was riding on an 
old flea-bitten horse. Later she sent back for me. Before we had gone 
two blocks the muskets were cracking like corn in a popper. Some of 
the rebel soldiers entered our house, and from there gave the forlorn 
hope signal. We stopped out north of town, stood on an old rail fence 
and watched the battle. 

About dusk we returned home. All day I had been separated from 
my children. Our house was so mutilated that we could no longer live 
there. Most everything on the place had either been destroyed or 
stolen. Somebody had dropped a pair of pillows across the back fence, 
unable to get away with his entire load. When I stepped inside the 
door, my feet were in a great clot of human blood. Several rebels had 
been killed there. We supposed our sheets and other white goods were 
taken to the academy, which was being used as a hospital, to be used 
for binding the wounds of the soldiers. The walls were full of holes 
from the cannon balls fired by the Union soldiers. One ball, which had 
cut through several studing in the wall, broke the side-rail of the bed. 
Another, entering through the fire-place, bursted the cook-stove to mere 
fragments. I went over to spend the night at Mrs. Turner's, and saw 
nine dead rebel soldiers taken from a corn-field, about where Mrs. Sarah 
Avery's residence now stands. A man came to Mrs. Turner's door 
and asked to see the lady whose house had been so badly shot up. I 
went to the door. He had a bolt of purple calico which had been un- 
rolled and then wrapped about his arms. This he asked me to take to 
make dresses for me and the children. I refused, but he left it for me, 
knowing I needed it. It came from one of the stores which had that 
day been rifled. 

The troublous times of the Civil War are i)assed; the old wounds 
are healed, and many of its stirring episodes have been forgotten, (^ne 
of the tangible e^4dences of the heart-rending scenes through which 



Reminiscences. 455 

we passed, as well as one of our treasured souvenirs, is a {)ieee of hoard 
which was a part of the sidinj>; of our old home. It is perforated with a 
cannon l)all, one of the missiles which almost destroyed our home on 
the day of the battle. Mrs. Otis Miller. 

Peyton F. Greenwood. 

My father and family located in Eastern Salt River township, No- 
vember 8, 1852. At that time in a radius of five miles around us we had 
very few citizens. Among those in that radius were the two Thrasher 
families; William Brashear, father of Richard M. Brashear; Mr. Rora- 
baugh, grandfather of the present circuit clerk; David Smallwood, 
who was the father-in-law of Mr. Rorabaugh; William H. Allred; John 
W. Smith; Abram Earhart; Samuel Nesbit, and son Joseph Nesbit; 
Peyton Foster, my grandfather; George Conkle, are all that I now re- 
call within that radius as citizens at that time, but for kindness and hos- 
pitality no people I have ever met in life were more sociable, generous, 
and true to their professions, than those whom I have named. 

The religious services at that time w^ere all held in school houses, 
of which we had but one in our neighborhood, and that was known as 
the Brashear school house. At this school house all religious denom- 
inations, when they held services at all, met and worshiped. However,, 
camp-meeting were held by the Methodists, usually down on Salt River,, 
near what was afterwards known as the Elliott bridge. During a num- 
ber of years I think there were very few if any church services held,, 
in the way of camp-meetings or gatherings at the Brashear school house 
that I did not attend, not that I was a member of any religious society 
or church at that time. 

In January, 1856, Lewis Conner, a Missionary Baptist minister, 
held a revival meeting at the Brashear school house, when quite a num- 
ber were converted to that faith and united with the church. Accord- 
ing to the requirements they had to be immersed. For the purpose of 
carrying out that immersion it became necessary to cut the ice on Hog 
Creek, near Uncle Billie Brashear's residence. Among the candidates 
for baptism was Uncle Ruben Long. He was taken into the water and 
ice and innnersed by the minister, Lewis Conner. When he helped him 
from the water. Uncle Ruben never stopped to shake hands and ex- 
tend the right hand of fellowship, but lit out in a lively trot up the hill 
to Mr. Brashear's house. I remember this instance from the fact that 
it made an impression on my mind at that time to see the ice and water 
dropping out of his garments as he ran up the hill. Another instance 



456 The History of Adair County. 

in connection with this service was the immersion of Aunt Charlotte 
Smith. I remember after she was immersed and rose up, she came out 
shouting and clasping the hands of every one near her; and then it 
flashed up in my mind that she had a true religion, and that hers was a 
true conversion. She was the wife of John W. Smith, mentioned here- 
tofore. I highly respected the minister, Lewis Conner, and it made a 
deep impression upon me that I have never forgotten. After holding 
these services and performing these baptisms he returned to his home, 
was taken down with pneumonia, and in a few days died. 

At the time we came into Adair County, a few days after we landed, 
my brother, J. M. Greenwood, and I, having heard wild game was plen- 
tiful, concluded we would go hunting. We went east from our house 
until we came into the field of our near neighbor, William Allred, and 
there in a corn field we saw a flock of turkeys, from fifty to a hundred in 
number. We looked at them for a time and they seemed to be so tame 
that we concluded they must be neighbor AUred's turkeys, and left 
them without firing a shot, when the truth was they were wild turkeys. 
Game was so plentiful that my brother on several occasions that I re- 
member, killed as many as three or five deer at one time while he was 
out hunting. I would then go with a wagon and team and haul them 
home. A part of our boyish delight was in coon hunting, and in connec- 
tion with Mr. AUred's sons we spent nmch of our time in the sport of 
hunting, and killed many coons — a pastime that we enjoyed, and I 
believe one of the best parts of the education of a boy is to become ac- 
quainted with the trees, the birds, animals and their habits — everything 
as it appears in nature. 

In the early fifties there moved into what was known as South 
Prairie, Reverend John C. Gibson, a minister in the Missionary Baptist 
church. He was low in stature l)ut broad and bulky in build. On one 
occasion he invited my brother and I to attend a church trial at what was 
known as the Houk school house, wherein he was charged with some of- 
fense with the ordinances of the church and wanted us to see him clean 
out the opposition who had brought charges against him. W(^ attended 
the meeting. After a moderator was elected they proceeded with the 
trial, and the evidence they were introducing was pretty hot and heavy 
against Brother Gibson, and he was fighting to koop it out and making 
considerable noise and a good many stat(Mn(>nts, when finally old Brother 
Denton, who was seated in the south end of the scliool house, a very 
tall, well built athletic man, began to rise up, as I would express it, link 
by link, and said, "Brother Moderator, if you ever heard cats mew you 
will hear them mew now." Witli that he made a dive at Brother Gibson, 



Reminiscences. 457 

and Brother (libson nuulc a lunfic for the door and down through 
the prairie grass, getting away from tlie school liouse — he convinced me 
that he was a sprinter. This was the way Brother (lil)son "cleaned 
out the opposition" and ended the church trial. 

On July 4, 1854, 1 attended a l)art)ecue in Kirksville, at which great 
preparations had been made to feed the crowd, in the way of roast beef, 
roast pork and mutton. In the afternoon th(> celebration was wound 
up by a general fight; old Uncle Bill Adkins and John Floyd being the 
first who were engaged in it, at which Uncle Bill in the struggle demanded 
to be let loose so that he might get a lick at John Floyd's head, saying 
that he wanted to "skin the warnet." From that the fight became gen- 
eral, Henry Callup, old Uncle Frank Adkins, William Watson, BasHall, 
Jim Oldham and a number of others participating. The finishing of 
this fight was the end of that celel^ration. For all of this there was no 
one arrested or prosecuted. Kirksville at that time was not even in- 
corporated. 

In 1861 the Iowa Third Infantry and the Illinois Sixteenth Regi- 
ments were located in Kirksville for about a week or ten days, under the 
control of General Hurlbert. On the coming in of these two regiments 
Cleorge W. Foster, my uncle, and myself rode out of town. The second 
night we were out we stayed at Old Nineveh and were accompanied by 
quite a number of militia. Al^out daylight of the first night we stayed 
in Nineveh there was an alarm in camp. Being a little nervous and in- 
terested, as soon as the alarm was given I went to the window of the hotel. 
The sight to attract my attention was a man on a roan horse. He was 
wearing a very broad-brimmed, home-made straw hat, and the way that 
horse ran up the lane through Nineveh west, impressed me with the 
idea that it was a thoroughbred. It turned out, however, that the 
alarm this gentleman had taken was caused l)y another militiaman mis- 
taking a lot of stumps for Rebels and firing into the stumps. After 
remaining in Nineveh about a week we returned to Kirksville. Among 
the sights I saw in Kirksville was that the store building of William B. 
Linder, on the southeast corner of the sciuare, had been broken open and 
looted. The harness shop of James Medley, on the east side of the 
square, had been completely stripped of its stock of saddles and har- 
ness; private dwellings had been broken into. I saw farmers, whom 
I regarded as good honest citizens, put into their wagons goods of va- 
rious kinds, such as domestic and calico, taken from Linder's store, 
and carry them home. 

In 1862 my father, regarded as a southern sympathizer, and our near 
neigh1:)or, Henry Barnhart, Sr., a strong Union man; Abram Earhart, 



458 The History of Adair County. 

our nearest neighl^or, a southern sympathizer, and his nearest neighbor, 
Culver 0. Grayson, a Union man, formed an agreement by which if 
any Rebels were known to be coming into the community, my father 
would immediately notify his neighbor Barnhart, and Mr. Earhart 
would notify Mr. Grayson. If any movement was known on the part 
of the Union soldiers, Mr. Grayson would notify Mr. Earhart, and Mr. 
Barnhart would notify my father. In 1862 the famous order, known as 
the Halleck Order, preventing all Rebels and sympathizers from re- 
moving or carrying any property out of the state of Missouri was is- 
sued. My father at that time was the owner of a number of two-year- 
old cattle. Mr. Barnhart likewise was the owner of one hundred or 
more of similar cattle. However, in order to carry out that bond and 
agreement that was made between them, while in violation of Halleck's 
order, Mr. Barnhart undertook to take my father's cattle with his own 
to the state of Illinois, and did so; sold them there, returned, and as 
we have always believed, gave strict account of every dollar and turned 
it over to him that he had received for these cattle, less Avhat expense 
had been incurred in taking them out of the state. By reason of this 
understanding between these neighbors, none of us suffered any serious 
loss of property from the roving bands that were passing through North 
Missouri during that period. 

I wish to say now, after the lapse of many years, that had the ex- 
ample of the four men I have mentioned been followed in all of our 
communities, we would have experienced much less sorrow than we did 
by neighbor arraigning against neighbor, owing to the prejudices we 
entertained at that time. Others have different views upon that sub- 
ject. I let that pass, as time is the only healer of such thoughts and 
feelings. 

In conclusion, this I wish to say: I have long resided in Adair 
County. Owing to my present condition of health, this is the last mes- 
sage that I shall likely give to the people of my county. No difference 
how many mistakes I have made in life, and they are many, I have re- 
solved to speak of no man unless I can say something good of him; do 
no wrong to any individual, knowingly; but do all the good I can until 
mv race is run. P. F. Greenwood. 



Reminiscences. 459 



Thomas .1. Dockery. 



I came to Adair County with my parents in .July, 1855. This was 
at the time a typical frontier country, very sparsely settled, with 
probably ninety per cent of the land Ix'longing to the (lovernment. 
Tlie prairies Avere covered with a luxuriant <4rowth of wild grass, called 
blue stem, which reachiHl a height of from two to six feet and made an 
excellent cjuality of hay. From May until frost, the landscape was 
dotted with wild flowers of every variety and color. In the timbered 
l)ortion of the county, there was absolutely no brush. The trees were 
very large and the ground underneath was covered with prairie grass. 
The massive trees, the prairie flowers and grass all combined to make 
this a truly beautiful and inviting country. 

The comity settlers at the time of my parents' arrival, were people 
tliat had followed the advance of civilization from Kentucky, Tennessee 
and North Carolina. They were for the most part hunters and depend- 
ed largely for their food on wild game. Of this there was an abundance 
and it was an easy matter to kill all the deer and turkeys needed. It 
was no uncommon thing to see from five to ten tleer in a gang, and I 
have seen as many as one hundred turkeys in a flock. In addition to 
hunting, farming was done on a small scale. Ten acres was considred 
a large field, and five acres was perhaps more than average in size. 

These pioneers were strong, healthy people, honest and fair in 
their dealings and very hospitable and social. Their houses were con- 
structed of logs, and when a new one was to be built, every one for ten 
miles or more around would join in and lend a helping hand. 

Law suits among neighbors were indeed rare, but when one oc- 
curred, it w^as tried before a Justice of the Peace, and aroused much in- 
terest throughout the community. I remember soon after we came 
here, a suit w^as brought l^efore a Justice of the Peace in our locality 
and I attended the trial with my father. There were, I think, at least 
seventy-five present, and to show how primitive the methods of the 
clay were, when it Avas found necessary for some writing to be done, 
the Justice discovered there was no ink in the court room. Not dis- 
mayed, he called forth in a loud voice the constable and ordered him 
to mount his pony and ride, post-haste, to "Old Man Holman's" farm, 
which was about one and one-half miles distant, and get a bunch of 
poke-berries to make ink. The court thereupon enjoyed a recess. A 
little later the constable returned with the berries, their juice was ex- 
tracted for the ink, and the case proceeded. 

There was little money in the county in these early days. In truth, 
there was no great need for it. Every one wore home-spun clothes 



460 The History of Adair County. 

and nearly all furniture and agricultural implements were made by 
home workmen, whose charges were very low. All the leather used 
was tanned in the county. The settlers would take hides to the tan- 
yard, where they were tanned on the shares. Nearly every family 
owned a set of cobbler's tools, with which the father, or some other mem- 
ber of the household, made and mended shoes for the family. 

Though this may come as a shock to present temperance advocates, 
practically all families kept on hand a supply of whiskey as an ague pre- 
ventative. In fact, every store had a barrel of it, with a tin cup placed 
near by, that their customers might take a drink, if they desired. In 
spite of this plentifulness of whiskey, there were few habitual drunkards. 

To illustrate on what a small scale thing were done at this time, a 
commission was appointed by the county court to purchase furniture 
for Adair Countj^'s first court house. At the next term of court, a re- 
port was made that two benches and three chairs had been bought at 
a cost of $3.50. 

Very few of the best lots around the square sold in the early fifties 
for more than $5.00, the majority for less. The lot where the Adair 
County Lumber Company building now stands, was knocked off at 
auction to Col. John T. Smith, one of the county's first settlers and a 
very influential man in his day, for the sum of $1.00. He felt that he 
had paid too much and didn't want to take the deed, but being threat- 
ened with a law suit, he consented and later sold the property for $800. 

The two lots directly north of the Trust Company building Avere 
purchased by Harve Sloan, now deceased, for $5.00, which he paid in 
cord wood. It was, of course, little trouble to go west of town and 
cut all the wood one might want, from land belonging to the Govern- 
ment. 

I well remember one of the earliest transfers made in this city. 
M. G. Clem and Franklin Freeman sold to E. W. Parcells two acres 
of ground, described as "two acres of ground where the distillery now 
stands." This was the only description. The transfer was made Oc- 
tober 11, 1847. The land was not entered till three years later. Of 
course land values, as well as the price of all other properties have 
advanced many fold since those early days, yet I feel sure we have only 
reached the beginning of our splendid progress, and that even greater 
things are in store for our people. Those were times of privation and 
hardship in many ways, yet the people were contented and happy. I 
often wish I could see some of those old times again, and meet some of 
those old stalwart pioneers, but is not to be. Neaily all I knew here 
when I came are gone and the times have passed, never to return. 

T. J. DOCKERY. 



PART III. 

Great Men of the County 



GREAT MEN OF THE COUNTY. 

John Roy Musick. 

John Roy Musick was a native of Missouri, the same state which 
produced such men as Mark Twain, Eugene Field, and many others 
famous as journaUsts, statesmen and jurists. He was the son of 
Ephraim and Mary Musick, and was born in St. Louis County, Feb. 28, 
1849. While still a boy his parents moved to Adair County, where the 
author passed his early life in attending school in the winter and Work- 
ing on the farm in the summer. His application at this period of his 
life must have been extraordinary — it certainly was successful. At 
the age of nineteen he was sent to the Kirksville State Nomal School, 
graduating in 1874. The next few years were spent in teaching school 
and at the same time studying law. In 1887 he was admitted to the 
bar. He was a prominent factor in Republican politics. Ever}- Pres- 
idential election he was repeatedly called into the field for campaign 
speeches. He was a member of the State Central Committee of Mis- 
souri, and upon the election of William McKinley to the presidency 
the first term, the post of consul to Siam was tendered him, but he re- 
fused, preferring to give his attention to his chosen work. As literature 
was the bent of his mind and had been from his earliest recollections, 
he abandoned the practice of law and engaged wholly in literary work. 
He travelled in many parts of the world and gave his impressions and 
the facts he gleaned to the reading public in many forms. His most 
ambitious work is the ''Columbian Historical Novels" in twelve vol- 
umes. All the great critics of the United States and many in England 
have been loud in their praise of the series. They opened a new field 
for the American reader. Their charm of narrative, keen dissection of 
character, unity of interest, beauty of imagery and description, gave 
them much of the power of romance combined with accuracy of thought 
and statement. He was the author of twelve other volumes besides 
the "Columbian Historical Novels," comprising books of travel, his- 
tories and novels, some of which have passed through many editions. 

His home was in Kirksville, Missouri, until the spring of 1900, 
when he removed to Omaha, where he died April 13, 1901. 

In social life he was admirable, so simple-minded and so great- 
minded, keen in his perceptions, kind in his judgments, resolute, but un- 




Mit. J. H. .MrsiCK. 



Great Men of the ('ounty. 465 

pretending, considerate of every one, but tasking of himself. We could 
give many anecdotes and incidents illustrative of his purity of heart, 
honesty of purpose, devotion to family, but space forbids. 

He died in the strength and glory of his manhood. Life with him 
had been a reality and a work. Death was a translation to higher 
spheres of life and action. Mrs. G. A. Goben. 



Judge Andrew Ellison. 

Andrew Ellison was born in Monticello, Missouri, November 6, 
1846. His father, Judge James Ellison, was one of the most prominent 
and successful lawyers of Missouri. The familj^ moved to Canton, 
where he spent his boyhood and attended Christian University, and 
later attended Christian Brothers' College, St. Louis, where he won 
honors and stood high as a student. He read law in the office of his 
father and enjoyed the friendship of Senator James S. Green, who was 
widely knov/n as a great lawyer. 

He joined the Christian church in early life and was baptized by 
Dr. Samuel Hatch, who afterward became his father-in-law. He came 
to Kirksville in the spring of 1867 in company with his brother, James 
Ellison, now Judge of the Kansas City Court of Appeals, and began 
the practice of law at the age of twenty. He soon took rank as one of 
the leading lawyers of the bar, not only in Kirksville, but throughout 
Northeast Missouri, and soon became the peer of the ablest members 
of the bar in the highest tribunals of our state. . 

He was a man of untiring energy, a close student, hard worker, 
and mastered his cases before dismissed from his mind. He was a 
wise counselor; sagacious, conscientious, far-seeing, a born leader and 
an honest man of great ability, far above the average; brilliant, kind, 
gentle, courteous and tender-hearted, a most lovable character, quick 
to perceive and grasp the right; a devoted friend in whom you could 
safely trust your most sacred thoughts, assured your confidence would 
never be betraj^ed; a kind and generous neighbor, whom all delighted 
to honor and rejoiced in his successes. 

His social qualities were of the highest order. He had the happy 
faculty of making others happy, and was always a most welcome guest 
at social gatherings, weddings, dinners and banquets. He was a man 
of charming personality and was unusually popular, always ready with 
some interesting and entertaining story full of wit and wisdom to en- 
tertain his hearers; and when he spoke everyone listened and happy to 




Judge Andrew Ellison 



Great Men of the Countv. 467 

hear. He loved the good and the true in (everybody high or low, and 
was a friend to all. 

As a Regent of the State Normal School for twenty years he gave 
much thought and the best energies of his life for the uplift and success 
of the school. Through his wise management of the affairs of the Nor- 
mal School it took rank as the best school in the state for the education 
and equipment of teachers. It owes much of its present prosj^erity 
and high standing to the wise and judicious planning of Judge Ellison. 
No man did more for the cause of education and the upbuilding of the 
Normal School than did he during his twenty years of self-sacrificing 
service without the hope of fee or reward. 

He was married in 1869 to Miss Julia M. Hatch, daughter of Dr. 
Samuel Hatch, a noted physician and a minister in the Christian church. 
They have four children — two daughters and two sons, all married, 
prosperous and happy. His eldest son, Samuel H., is a practicing at- 
torney of more than ordinary ability, and bids fair to be one of the best 
lawyers in this part of the state. 

I am not aiming to write a biography of Judge Andrew Ellison, 
but simply want to pay a little tribute to the worth and high character 
of a noble man, a sincere friend that I loved and trusted and honored, 
whose death I lamented and whose loss I deplored. I never had a bet- 
ter, safer, wiser friend. His departure was not only a great loss to his 
family and this community, but to the state at large, for he was known 
and honored all over the state and beyond. For twenty-two years he 
was a most just and honored circuit Jvidge in this judicial circuit, being 
elected and re-elected as a Democrat in a district of one thousand Re- 
publican majority. 

I think I cannot close this little sketch better than by quoting from 
Judge Ellison's last official act, from a "special" to the St. Louis Re- 
public, from Macon, Missouri: 

"It was the refusal to grant a decree in a divorce case. The liti- 
gants were young and had three pretty children. A petition' and cross- 
bill had been filed. Able attorneys were on hand to represent the war- 
ring husband and wife. Judge Ellison waved them aside and took 
charge of the case. He asked a few questions and read a stack of let- 
ters from the wife to the husband. He made up his mind that it was 
one of those cases where pride only prevents concessions and reconcil- 
iation. Then he said, 'Now you are both asking a divorce. I expect 
you both have been fretful. I expect you both have acted hastily at 
times, but you have three little children, who are not responsible for 
these troubles. They at least are innocent. The law of both God and 



468 The History of Adair County. 

man says that it is your duty to raise these children, and in the face of 
all this affection and in the face of the fact that you both come from good 
people, good stock, and both have good hearts, I will not be an instru- 
ment — the last act of my official life, the last trial I sit as judge shall 
not result in the severance of two young people, and in the making of 
orphans of three little children. I will not do it. I say to you now I 
dismiss the petition in this case and the cross-bill, and ask both of you 
earnestly and with a heart full of sj'mpathy for the weakness and frail- 
ties of humankind — I ask, nay, I beg of you at this hallowe'en time just 
preceding Christmas, a day on which we will celebrate the greatest 
event that ever occurred on earth, the proclamation of peace on earth 
and good will to all mankind — I say I ask of you to go back to your 
home and become to each other again the strong manly husband and the 
dutiful loving wife. Preserve these letters I have read on the peril of 
your future happiness. They represent the all-powerful love of a loyal 
woman for a husband that must be worthy, else they had never been 
written. Not one word in them need she be ashamed of, and I think 
more of you both for having read them. That is all. Mr. Sheriff, ad- 
journ the court." The litigants followed implicitly Judge Ellison's sug- 
gestions in the decree, and are now living together happy and prosperous. 

This was a most gracous act on the part of a wise Judge, a good- 
hearted, true-hearted great man; a beautiful closing of a long, useful, 
honorable and successful judicial life of a good and honest man, who 
will ever be remembered for the good he has done. 

"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Lincoln 
said, "Die when we may, I want it said of me, by those who knew me 
best, that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought 
a flower would grow." Surely this applies to Judge Ellison. 

In loving rememVjrance of a true and loving friend. 

Sincerely, William T. Baird. 

Judge James Ellison. 

Judge Ellison is a native Missourian, and was Ijorn at Monticello, 
Lewis County, July 12, 1848. In his early boyhood he came to Adair 
County with his brother, the late Judge Andrew Elhson. He attended 
the public schools here and the Christian ITni versify at Canton, Mo., 
also taking a course at Christian Brothers' College at St. Louis. He 
then read law and was admitted to the bar at Kirksville in 1867. He 
entered at once into the active practice and soon came to be recognized 
as one of the ablest attorneys of the state. He served as prosecuting 




Judge Jame^^ Ellison 



470 The History of Adair County. 

attorney of Adair County, being elected in 1874, and was also presiden- 
tial elector in 1884, when Cleveland was elected President. In Novem- 
ber of that year he was appointed Judge of the Kansas City Court of 
Appeals and elected to that same ofhce in 1888. In 1896 he was renom- 
inated and re-elected for a full term. Again in 1908 he received that 
same honor, and is therefore still a member of one of Missouri's highest 
legal tribunals. 

Judge Ellison is married and lives at Kansas City, although he still 
regards Kirksville as his home. 

Judge Ellison is one of the greatest of a family of great lawyers. 
He has written many important opinions since he has been on the bench, 
and they are regarded as models of true legal exposition. Few, if any, 
lawyers in the State are more highly regarded as citizens or more sin- 
cerely admired for the legal acumen and wide and deep knowledge. It 
is believed by those who have watched his career that even greater 
honors are yet in store for him. 

Superintendent J. M. Greenwood. 

Within the memory of men yet living, this cosmopolitan cummu- 
nity of Adair County was typical of the most primitive American con- 
ditions. In the language of Herbert Spencer, Adair County, about 
the year 1850, was in a condition of "indefinite, incoherent homoge- 
neity." Its people were all very much alike. Noticeable differentia- 
tions had not begun. The specialist was not much in evidence. One 
man in those days could be a doctor, preacher, tooth extractor, horse- 
shoer, water witch, stock raiser, lawyer, farmer, politician and a few 
other things, all at one and the same time. 

Little )>y little different cjualities among men were developed and 
utilized. Specialization began. The farmer ceased to l)e a doctor or 
a lawyer; the preacher and horse-shoer ceased to be farmers. Out 
from the mass of homogeneities arose some school teachers. From 
among the school teachers arose the mathematicians, s(;ientists and 
other specialists. The last quarter of the nineteenth century produced 
for the first time in history a new specialist among tiie school men. 
That specialist was the school superintendent, a man of large capabil- 
ities, clear insight into educational conditions and processes, and ready 
skill in educational organization. 

Once in Adair C'ounty, about sixty years ago, there was a red- 
faced, bare-footed farm boy some ten or twelve years of age. He was 
healthy, robust, active and ingenious, fond of hunting and other prim- 



(treat Men of the County. 471 

itive sports. This boy was James M. (Irccnwood, living somewhere 
on the prairies of Adair County between Kirksville and the east Une 
of the county. Thirty-seven years ago Kansas City appointed this 
former Adair County farm boy Superintendcnit of its City schools, and 
James M. Greenwood is now one of the most widely known American 
school men. 

Yoimg Greenwood grew up as other farm boys did. He loved 
l)ooks and readily absorbed, assimilated and applied their contents. 
He had little opportunity for education. The schools were few in num- 
ber. They had short terms and the very poorest facilities. Nearly 
all of those who became educated were self-educated. Mr. Greenwood 
attended at times the ordinary public schools, then a seminary or would- 
be college down near the Mississippi River and for a short time the 
University of Missouri, which institution some dozen years ago con- 
ferred upon him the degree Doctor of Laws. 

ISIr. Greenwood had some experience as a teacher in the early pub- 
lic schools of Illinois and Missouri. He was a member of the first fac- 
ulty of the Kirksville Normal School, when it started in the fall of 1867 
as a private Normal School under the presidency of Professor Joseph 
Baldwin. When the Institution in January, 1871, became a State 
Normal School, the entire faculty was taken over and made the faculty 
of the First District Normal School. Mr. Greenwood was professor 
of mathematics, and through his unusual skill and ability in solving 
the difficult mathematical problems of the day became widely known 
throughout the United States and other English speaking countries. 

In the year 1874 Mr. Greenwood was called to Kansas City as Su- 
perintendent of the Public Schools of that thriving town of some twen- 
ty thousand people. From that day to the present time, he has been 
one of the most positive forces in the educational affairs of Missouri 
and of the United States. He has been honored in a large variety of 
ways. He has had wdthin his reach educational positions of many kinds 
and varieties, from his present office to that of United States Com- 
missioner of Education; liut he has chosen to remain with the Public 
School System of Kansas City while that city has been growing from a 
small city of twenty thousand people, to the great distriljuting center 
which it now is, with only five other cities in the United States sur- 
passing it in its weekly clearing-house business. 

Superintendent Greenwood has been characterized by his activity 
in many educational reforms and improvements. He has been an ex- 
ponent and an advocate and an exemplar of democracy in education. 
He has believed in education through self-activity. He has believed 



472 The History of Adair County. 

in sending the whole ))oy to school and in educating all of the boys. He 
has stood for the adaptation of education to the needs of the boys and 
girls in ever}' separate community. He has been the friend Of the home- 
less and moneyless boys and girls. He has struggled for such laws 
and such educational facilities as would in the most effective way en- 
able young Missourians to educate themselves for the highest efficiency. 

Superintendent Greenwood has represented Missouri in educa- 
tional associations and programs more frequently and in more ways 
than any other man that ever lived in Missouri. He is more in demand 
as an educational lecturer than any other school superintendent in the 
country. For a quarter of a century we find his name almost contin- 
uously in the programs of the National Education Association, as well 
as the state educational associations of many states. 

In middle professional life he was often regarded as an advocate 
of fads. It is now somewhat difficult to conceive of that condition 
existing some twenty-five or thirty years ago when no college or uni- 
versity in the state had a department for teaching the literature of the 
language we speak. Mr. Greenwood was the first man in Missouri 
to plead for a chair of English in the University and in every college 
of the state. 

He was among the early advocates of the rational use of industrial 
and agricultural education. He has written voluminously. Scarcely 
an educational journal of any consequence in the country but has pub- 
lished many of his articles. He has been the foe and the terror of ex- 
tremists in education. He has wielded a ready pen for maintaining 
sanity and regularity in educational reforms. He has t)een one of the 
most prodigious readers of literature, history, science, philosophy, art 
and other records of human achievement. He is more resourceful in 
at least a dozen specialties than the typical specialists themselves. 

He has been a man of uniformly simple hal)its of life. He has ex- 
emplified plain living and high thinking. He is at ease in all kinds of 
cultivated society. He is a great souled, resourceful, genial, compan- 
ionable, lovable and i)atriotic American. John R. Kirk. 



John R. Kirk. 

A brief sketch of the life of President Kirk is given in the chapter 
on the Normal School, so it is not necessary that it should be repeated 
here. He is, however, by his character and achievements, more than 
deserving of mention among the great men of this county. Among the 
educators of Missouri few, if any, stand higher than he, and he is fast 



Great Men of the County. 473 

becoming one of the leaders of the educational thought of the country. 
As an executive he is probably without a peer, and in energy is a perfect 
human dynamo. What he has done for the school and therefore for 
the county and the State, is written large in the progress of that splen- 
did institution. What he found when he came here to assume the 
duties of the head of this school and what he has done ior its progress 
and growth, are matters of current knowledge. Certainly the ])eople 
of our county owe him a debt of gratitude. 

No doubt he shall yet accomplish much for this community and 
aid materially her progress. That he has many plans, not only for the 
advancement and glory of the school, but for the good of the entire com- 
nmnity, those who have known him well are sure. That he will bring 
them to a successful issue is equally patent to those acquainted with 
his sta.ying qualities and dynamic energy. 



Dr. Andrew Taylor Still. 

Dr. Still has been thoroughly handled by Mr. Violette in his chapter 
on the great school of which he was the founder; so it is not essential 
that the events of his splendid career should be recorded here. 

Of all the men who have left a lasting impress for good on the com- 
munity and on the world, Dr. Still is without a peer. He has done 
more to make Kirksville famed to the ends of the earth than all others 
who have lived in Kirksville. From his splendid mind has come a 
great idea which has touched the world with a healing wand and brought 
happiness and rich content into countless thousands of human habita- 
tions where were known only sickness and sorrow. His has been not 
only a great material achievement but has added greatly to the sum of 
human joy. The beauty of it all is that his great idea shall go on grow- 
ing and expanding till millions yet unborn shall know its healing touch 
and rise up to call him blessed. 

Here is truly a great man, unspoiled by success, still the kindly 
courteous gentleman, of the severest simplicity as well as highest pur- 
pose, of purest life and lofty ideals. His life has been such that when 
his labors are over and he has come to the end of his journey, its sacred 
influence shall fall like a holy })enediction on the hearts of men. 

In almost every community there is some man whose achievements 
stand out in such bold relief that he epitomizes the thought and pro- 
gress of that community; that whenever the name of one is mentioned 
the other naturally comes to one's mind. The names of Kirksville and 



474 The History of Adair County. 

Dr. Still are so associated that one often wonders if one could have been 
without the other. 

Kirksville owes Dr. Still a debt of gratitude which never can be 
paid, no matter how lavish she maj' heap honors upon him. Like all 
great men, full appreciation will not come to him in life, but the coming 
years will enhance his glory and add to the lustre of his just fame. 

Judge George W. Wanamaker. 

Judge Wanamaker was born near Picton, Prince Edward County, 
Ontario, Canada, October 8, 1846. He spent his early hfe in that coun- 
try and was educated at Albert College, Belleville, Ontario, later grad- 
uating from the law department of the University of Michigan. 

In 1870 he came to Missouri, and to Kirksville in 1876. He re- 
mained here two years, serving as city attorney by appointment, and 
during the last year of his residence here was a partner of H. F. Millan. 
In 1878 he went to Bethany, Missouri, where he has since resided. 

In 1881 he became a member of the law firm of Wanamaker and 
Barlow, at Bethany, of which he remained a member for twenty-three 
years. 

He filled the office of city attorney of Bethany three terms, and 
was assistant prosecuting attorney of Harrison County for four years. 
In 1904 he was elected circuit Judge of the Third Judicial Circuit, and 
re-elected in 1910. He is regarded as one of the able jurists of the 
State, a man of the highest judicial temperament, wide learning, ster- 
ling honesty and of the keenest insight into matters of law. Those 
who have watched his career feel sure there are yet many honors in 
store for him. 

He was married to Miss Bessie Templeman, daughter of Wm. A. 
Templeman, of Bethany, December 23, 1879. 



PART IV. 

Biographical 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

GEORGE R. BREWINGTON, a native of .Scott Springs, Pike County, Mis- 
souri, was born December 1, 1844. His parents were Robert D. and Elizabeth Brew- 
ington. He was married October 16, 1866, to Lillie Freeman. They had thr(>e chil- 
dren: Trusten H., of Kansas City, Missouri; Robert D., of Colorado; Laura Brew- 
ington-Hall, of Atlanta, Georgia. 

Mr. Brewington was reared at Hannibal, Missouri, attending the public schools 
and high school of that city, also the Rensselaer Academy, of Ralls County. 
His school days were ended by the breaking out of the Civil War. When twenty 
j'ears of age he came from Hannibal to Kirksville, bringing part of his father's stock 
of boots and shoes to close out. He started the first lumber yard in Kirksville, and 
was for one year in the furniture business with A. L. Shepherd. He opened the 
first dry goods store in Millard, removing the stock to Kirksville in 1870. He has 
been continuously in the dry goods business here from that date. For twenty years 
Trusten H. Brewington was associated with him in the store. Mr. Brewington is 
the pioneer merchant of Kirksville, has always enjoyed a good business, and has 
customers today that have been trading with him since he established the store, 
more than forty years ago. He is a Democrat in politics and a member of the B. 
P. O. E. lodge. 

JOHN H, BERRY was born March 11, 1862, two miles north of Novinger, 
Missouri. His parents were Henry and Susan Berry. Mr. Berry has been mar- 
ried twice. His first wife was Clara B. Vanlaningham, who was born and reared in 
Adair County, Missouri. She was the daughter of Thomas and Henrietta Vanlan- 
ingham. They had three children: Orville C; Dee H.; Elsie H. Mr. Berry's 
second wife was Mary M. A. Hoffman, born and reared in Germany, emigrating to 
this country when twelve or thirteen years of age. To this marriage were born three 
children: Rayman J.; Willma S.; Maria M. Mr. Berry lived on a farm until he 
was fourteen years of age, at which time his mother died, and his father broke iii) 
housekeeping. He worked at various occupations till twenty years old, then bought 
an interest from Jas. H. Novinger, retail merchant. He has been in that line of 
business ever since. 

JOHN B. CARLETON, son of Caleb and Gaynor (Getchell) Carleton, was 
born May 31, 1850, in Monroe County, Ohio. He was married October 29, 1874, 
to Laura Woods. Mrs. Carleton is a daughter of Cyrus and Amanda Caldwell. 
She was born April 17, 1855, in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. They had five chil- 
dren, three of whom are living. The other two are dead. Elsie Grace was born 
October 29, 1875. She is now Mrs. Clifton Watkins, of Montana. Clinton, born 
January 28, died September 23, 1877; Chester H., born January 7, 1881; Harry 
G., December 16, 1889, died April 28, 1893; Dorothy A., August 5, 1896. 

Mr. Carleton moved to Adair County, Missouri, with his parents in 1859. His 
father died here April 5, 1866. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1799. John B. 
lived at home till the death of his father, then worked out till married. After his 



BKXiUAlMUCAL. 481 

marriage he moved into his present home. Here he has worked at farminia: oontin- 
uouslj- since. His farm consists of forty acres, two and one-hah' miles southeast 
of Gibbs. 

He belongs to the I. (). O. K. and Mystic Circle. He is a member of the Meth- 
odist Church, and is a i'rohibilionisi . 

C. H. CHARLTON, a son of Francis M. and Mary (Stevenson) Charlton, was 
born at Buckner, Missouri, May 9, 1S82. He was married to Miss Jessie M. John- 
son, daughter of Charles and Ahbie Johnson, February 2, 1904. They have one child 
— Ciladys Marie, born February 1, 1907. 

Mr. Charlton remained with his parents on a farm in Jackson County, where 
he was reared, until nineteen years old. He attended the public school, and also 
took a course at the Buckner High School. He took a course at the Kansas City 
Business College, graduating in 1902. He then worked as stenographer in the gen- 
eral office of the Q. O. & K. C, at Kansas City, being transferred after a short time 
TO Novinger, as car clerk. After fifteen months service here, he went into the em- 
ploy' of the Great Northern Fuel Company as time-keeper. In 1908 he was pro- 
moted to the office of secretary and treasurer, having full control of the accounting 
and selling department of the Company. He held that position till September, 1910, 
when he was made general manager by J. S. Keefe, president and owner of the Com- 
pany. Mr. Keefe is also Vice-president and general manager of the American Steel 
and Wire Company of Chicago, and a leading factor in the U. S. Steel Corporation. 

P. M. DODSON was born in Adair County, September 9, 18.52, being a son of 
Simeon W. and Sarali Dodson. He was married March 12, 1876, to Rosana Stukey, 
tlaughter of Abel and Mandana Stuke3^ They had two children: Charley L., born 
July 26, 1878; I;ena Pearl, December 17, 1881. Mrs. Dodson died November 12, 
1907. He was again married March 29, 1908, to Mrs. Elizabeth Jones. They have 
no children. 

^Ir. Dodson was born and reared on a farm, five milessouth of Kirksville. He 
lived at home on the farm till grown, then married and continued to farm till 1898, 
when he sold his farm and moved to Kirksville. He was in the livery business here 
for three years, then went into the real estate business, in which he is still engaged. 
His office is over the McKeehan drug store. He is a Democrat in politics, and a 
member of the M. W. A. 

ELI B. DODSON, son of James and Mahulda (Canatsey) Dodson, was born 
November 6, 1858, in Adair County. He was born and reared on the old Dodson 
homestead one mile southwest of Kirksville. He lived there with his parents till 
grown, then started farming for himself, and has been engaged in that occupation 
all his life. The farm he now owns joins the southwest corner of the corporation of 
Kirksville, and consists of 373 acres. The home in which he now lives was erected 
in 1860 and is still a splendid house good for many years. 

Mr. Dodson was married May 11, 1890. His wife was Grace Lowther, daughter 
of Henry and Suritha Lowther. They have two children: Roy B., born March 6, 
1892; Kenneth T., Jvme 30, 1899. Mr. Dodson and wife are members of the Chris- 
tian church. 



32 



482 



The History of Adatr County. 




Residence and Barn of J. W. liiiiidv, S miles S. E. Kirksvillc. 



Bl()(iRAPMIC'AL. 483 

DAVID CAPPS was born in Schuyler County, Missouri, June 1, 1851, being a 
son of Henry and Charlotte Capps. He was married November 14, 1875, to Katurah 
E. Lake, daughter of Leander and Nancy Lake. She was born in Scotland County, 
Missouri, October 20, 1S57. They had twelve children: Etta M., born October 30, 
1876, died November 24, 1876; Jacob W., February 14, 1878; Henry L., December 
29, 1879; David F.. August 15, ISSl ; Carrie A., March 6, 1883; Johnson T., Octo- 
tober 20, 1884, diet! November 23, 1900; Mary M., August 4, 188G, now Mrs. Jo- 
seph Williams; Nancy E., April 4, 1S88, now Mrs. Roy Shoop; Charlotte C, March 
27, 1890. now Mrs. Eddie Stone; Cora F., December 12, 1S91; Ina P., April 4, 1894; 
Arthur T., August 24, 1899. 

Mr. Capps moved to Adair County, Missouri, with his parents when a small 
})aby, and has lived here continuously since. He was reared on a farm, and has al- 
ways followed that occupation. At present he owns a farm of ninety-eight acres, of 
miles west of Novinger. He is a breeder of Chester White hogs and Short-horn 
cattle. Mr. Capps is a Republican in politics, a member of the Methodist church, 
and belongs to the K. of P. lodge. 

WILLL\M A. DODSON was born on the old Dodson homestead, two miles 
south of Kirksville, December 25, 1858. His parents were Thomas and Lucinda 
(Grogan) Dodson. Thomas Dodson was born September 2, 1823, in Kentucky, 
coming to Adair County, Missouri, in 1841. He died October 28, 1896, having been 
twice married and the father of thirteen children. The Dodsons trace their ances- 
try back to 1677, w^hen some of them helped to form the old Quaker colony in Eng- 
land. 

Mr. Dodson was married November 27, 1877, to Agnes E. Mulligan. They 
have two children living, and one dead: Lottie, born November 8, 1879, now Mrs. 
S. I. Furlong; Bijou, May 27, 1889, now Mrs. E. S. Mores, married January 22, 
1907. Mr. Furlong has two boys. 

Born and reared on the farm, there Mr. Dodson lived with his parents till grown, 
attending the public school and helping run the farm. He also attended the Mis- 
souri State Normal School at Kirksville and Christian Brothers' College at St. Louis. 
^^'llen grown, he married and began farming for himself. He owns a farm of forty- 
seven acres, one mile south of the corporate limits of Kirksville. He also handles 
206 acres belonging to his brother, making 250 acres in all. 

He is a member of the M. W. A. Mrs. Dodson belongs to the Presbyterian 
church. 

J. W. BUNDY was born on a farm in Southern Indiana, March 17, 1850, a son 
of Alfred and Louisa Bunfly. When eight years old he came to Adair County. His 
parents located one mile north of the pubHc square. In 1874 they moved to Bear 
Creek farm, then consisting of 200 acres, situated about eight miles southeast of 
Kirksville. Mr. Bundy owned the farm from that time, and later added 120 acres, 
making a total of 320 acres. 

Mr. Bundy's father died April 3, 1877. His mother died September 16, 1908. 
His parents were both born in Indiana, their parents coming from North to South 
Carolina, and later to Southern Indiana. Mr. Bundy's mother's family was of Rev- 
olutionary fame. His mother was a near relative of General Carr of the Revolution- 
ary War. She was also a grand-daughter of Arthur Parr, who was a Revolutionary 
soldier and died March 21, 1833. 



484 



The History of Adair County. 




Residence of John Fish. 
Residence of A. V. Fish. 
Residence of Walter F. Fish, Kirksville 



BlOdRAPHICAL. 485 

JOHN FISH was lioni in DcKalh County, Illinois, May 10, 1N4!I, hcinfi a son 
of John and Eleanor Fish. He was married January 1, 1S79, to Kliza J. Bushey of 
Greentop, Missouri, born January 31, I860. She is a daughter of Joseph and Ane;es 
Bushey. They have five children: Walter E., born Sei)teniber 10, ISSO; Albert V., 
April 11, 188.3; Clarence M., March 8, 1885; Melvin E., October 12, 1886; Elsie 
May, January 28, 1888. 

Mr. Fish bes;an railroading in 1866, continuing until lS8i), when he moved to 
the farm and remained there till 1906. He then entered the real estate business 
in Kirksville, in which enterprise he is still engaged. He came to Adair County 
in 1894. Mr. Fish is a Republican, a member of tlie Methodist Episcopal church, 
and belongs to the I. O. O. F. lodge. 

ALBERT V. FISH, son of John and Eliza J. Fish, was born at Kirksville, Mis- 
souri, April 11, 1883. He was married March 1, 1908, to Lena Pearl Dodson, daugh- 
ter of P. M. and Rosa Dodson. They have two children: Avera Lcolin, born Feb- 
ruary 10, 1909; Herald Ivan, March 24, 1910. 

Mr. Fish came from the farm in 1899, and entered the State Normal School 
at Kirksville, Alissouri, attending a little less than four years. He taught the Rural 
Dell school in 1903. It is about nine miles east of Kirksville. For about three years 
he was again on the farm, then engaged in the real estate business in Kirksville in 
1906. The firm is known as Fish & Sons. He is still a member of that firm. 

Mr. Fish is a Repubhcan, a member of the American Yoeman Lodge, and be- 
longs to the Methodist Episcopal church. 

WALTER E. FISH, son of John and Eliza J. Fish, was born at Greentop, Mis- 
souri, September 16, 1880. He was married February 24, 1909, to Isabelle Shoop, 
daughter of Reverend James H. and Cassy Shoop. They have one child, Nell Viv- 
ian, born April 1, 1911. 

Mr. Fish left the farm in 1899, and came to Kirksville, entering the State Nor- 
mal School. He attended a little less than four years. For one year he served as 
principal of a school at Bevier, Missouri. While there he organized the Young Men's 
Christian Association, and was its first general secretary. In October, 1905, he accepted 
the po.sition of ^Membership Secretary and Boys' Work Director of the South Side 
Branch, Y. M. C. A., St. Louis, Missouri. In the spring of 1906 he came to Kirks- 
ville, entering the real estate business. The same year the present firm. Fish & Sons, 
was organized. In September, 1907, he was appointed Pastor of the Methodist 
Episcopal church at Greentop, Missouri, the place of his birth and childhood. He 
was appointed in 1908 to the Wyaconda, M. E. charge, in the Missouri Conference 
in Clark County, which position he resigned May 2, 1910, in order to bring his wife 
to the Grim & Grim hospital in Kirksville. At this time he resumed his place in the 
firm of Fish & Sons, and is at present abstra(>ting and doing general office work. 

Mr. Fish is a Republican, and a member of the M. W. A. lodge. 

R. DAVIDSON was born in Holmes County, Ohio, October 1, 1839. His pa- 
rents were James and Ehzabeth Davidson. He was married to Miss Harriet Schrack, 
daughter of Henry and Mary Schrack, November 25, 1860. They have seven chil- 
dren: Wilham A., born October 22, 1861; Mary J., born August 15, 1863; Elmer 
E., born December 22, 1868; Nora, born March 25, 1871; Lorinda, born November 
17, 1873; James H., born August 14, 1876; and Charles F., born October 22, 1881. 
Mr. Davidson owns one-half block of land in Brashear. He came to Adair County 
November 25, 1869. He is Republican in politics, a member of the Christian church, 
and belongs to the I. O. O. F. 






o 



BlOCHAPHICAL. 487 

GEORGE WALTER RIDGWAY was born on a farm in Randolph County, 
Missouri, April 27, 1S7!», boing a son of John J. and Mary (White) Ridgway. He 
was married July 17, 1908, at Kansas City, to Anabel Taylor, daughter of Charles 
and Katherine (Miller) Taylor. They have two children: Katharine Loui.'^e, two 
years' old, and Ruth, 6 months old. 

Mr. Ridgway worked on the farm until seventeen years old, attending Fairview 
rural school, Randolph County, during the six months fall and winter. He then at- 
tended Sturgeon High School and the Columbia Normal Academy, graduating from 
the last n.anied institution in May, LSOO. Then entering the Mis.souri State Uni- 
versity, at Columbia, in 1900, he took the A. B. degree in 1904, winning the Ste])hens 
Metlal in oratory. In the meantime he taught three terras in the rural schools of 
Missouri. After graduation he was principal of the Centralia High School, at Cen- 
tralia, Missouri, for two years, where he learned the printer's trade in the office of 
the Centralia Courier. Becoming business manager of the Columbia, Missouri, Her- 
ald, in November, 1906, he was associated with Walter W'illiams, now Dean of the 
3.Iissouri School of Journalism. He remained in the management of that paper 
imtil January, 1908, then came to Kirksville, Missouri, accepting the position of 
business manager of the Daily Express. In November, 1909, he became a partner 
with E. E. Swain in the purchase of that publication, assuming editorial charge. 
Later he sold his interest in that paper to E. E. Swain, retiring June 15, 1911, 

He is a member of the Christian church. 

EDWARD EVERETT SWAIN was born at Ewing, Franklin County, Illinois, 
being a son of H. V. J. and Clara (Harrison) Swain. He was married in 1907 to Har- 
riet S. Ryrie, of Alton, Illinois. Mrs. Swain is a daughter of John A. and Elizabeth 
Stanton) Ryrie. They have one child — Edward Everett, Jr. 

Mr. Swain received his early education in the Franklin County pubhc schools. 
His family moved to Upper Alton, Illinois, in 1897, where he was a student ot Shurt- 
lelT College, graduating with the A. B. degree. Upon his graduation he entered news- 
paper work in Rochester, New York, working for the Herald two years, one year as 
political reporter. He then went to St. Louis and worked in the offices of the Globe- 
Democrat, a little later becoming night editor of the Associated Press, at St. Louis. 
After a year and a half there he went to East St. Louis, Illinois, as editor of the Daily 
News. A year later he was in St. Louis on the Republic, and for almost a year served 
as copy editor and head-line writer for the Post-Dispatch. In November, 1909, 
he formed a partnership with Walter Ridgway, purchasing the Kirksville Daily 
Express from C. C. Howard. In the spring of 1911, he purchased Mr. Ridgway's 
interest in the paper, assuming control in June. 

]Mr. Swain is independent politically. He is a member of the Baptist church. 

H. B.VMBURG is a native of Boone County, Iowa, born in that state Sep- 
tember 1, 1871. He was educated in the pubhc and high schools of Chicago and 
graduated from the Bryant and Stratton Commercial College. Foe seven years he 
was manager of one of the largest clothing stores in Chicago. In 1904 he came to 
Kirksville, ^Missouri, and established the B. & F. store. He caters to clothing and 
furnishings for men and boys, and carries only high-class garments. 

Mr. Bamburg was married November 14, 1893, to Bertha Fishel, a daughter of 
S. Fishel. They have two children — Jerome and Dorothy. ^Ir. Bamburg is a 
member of the Masonic, K. of P., Elks, Yeomen an<l Foresters' lodges, and is secre- 
tary of the Kirksville Business Men's League. 



488 



The History of Adair County. 









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Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Cooper ami Children 




U(\>iiliiiic ol' Mcl.suu I'.luTt, mar lUillio 



BlOCRAFHICAL. 489 

CIIESTEEN D. COOPER \v:is l)()iii in Sangamon County. Illinois, November 
8, 1845, a son of Isaac and Kezia Cooper, lie married Miss Sarah J. Glaze, daughtr 
of Christian and Susan Glaze, January 6, 1870. They have nine children: Min- 
nie M., born November 4, 1870, now Mrs. C. D. Thompson; Lola, June 26, 1873, 
now Mrs. Thomas Elz; Isaac, August. 6, 1875; Amanda E., August 29, 1877, now 
Mrs. E. J. Betts; Sarah A., October :30, 1879, now Mrs. John Myers; Chesten D., 
December 21, 1881; Oscar W., August 5, 1885; Elza S., July 2G, 188S; and James 
I., July 7, 1893. They also reared one child, a nephew, r]dwar(l S. Blair, born Au- 
gu.st 27, 1888. The children are all living, and all married except James I. 

Mr. Cooper farmed in Illinois till the spring of 1874. He then came to .\(lair 
County, where lie has since lived continuously on the farm he now owns. It con- 
sists of 120 acres, two and one-half miles northeast of Adair. He also owns an in- 
terest in 126 acres of land in the same neighborhood. 

Mr. Cooper and his family are members of the Christian church. He is a loyal 
Democrat. Mrs. Cooper was born in Brown County, Ohio May 24, 1852. a daugh- 
ter of Christian and Susan Glaze. 

NELSON EBERT, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, was born March 21, 
1846. He was married March 23, 1869, to Martha Girton, daughter of Isaac and 
Catherine Girton. Mrs. Ebert was also born in Pickaway County, Ohio, September 
21, 1840. They had four children: Oscar C, born in Ohio, August 17, 1870; Wil- 
liam E., born in Ohio, February 7, 1872; Myrtle I., born in Adair County, Mis- 
.souri, December 14, 1873, now Mrs. H. T. Hall; Maple F., born in Adair County, 
December 24, 1876. All the children are married. 

Mr. Ebert was born and reared on a farm m Ohio. He lived there till 1872, 
then moved with his famityto this county, where he has since lived. At present he 
owns a farm, near Bullion, consisting of 120 acres, well improved, where he has lived 
since 1884. He is a Republican, and a member of the Christian church. 

A. E. CALLISON was born March 5, 1868, at Shibley's Point, Adair County. 
His ]iarents were Ja;nes W. and Rebecca (Sallade) Callison. On December 25, 1890, 
he was marrierl to Miss Ada E. True, a daughter of James and Elizabeth fShibley) 
True. They have one child, — Avis E., born September 21, 1891. 

Mr. Callison was reared on a farm in this county, where he remained till grown. 
He attended the public schools and took a course in the Missouri State Normal, at 
Kirksville. For ten years he was engaged in teaching, farming a portion of the time. 
From 1891 to 1897 Mr. Calli.son was in the mercantile business at Queen City and 
Winigan, Mo. He sold out his business there, followed teaching and farming till 
1900, and since then has been engaged entirely in farming. He owns 100 acres, six 
miles east of Kirksville. The farm is well improved. He does general farming and 
stock feeding. Mr. Callison is a Republican and a member of the M. ^^'. A. 

CHARLES ALLRED was born in Hancock County, Ilhnois, July 14, 1865. 
He is a son of Enoch Allred, an early pioneer of the county, coming to Adair Countj', 
]Missouri, from Monroe County, in 1840. Mr. Allred was born in Illinois where his 
father had gone during the Civil War. In 1866 they returned to Adair County, 
where Charles has since lived. He is a barber by profession and has a fine shop in 
the National Bank building. He has been a barber for about twenty-eight years. 
Mr. Allred was married to Nellie Spry, a daughter of John and Mollie Spry, Sep- 
tember 16. 1887. They have three children: Lola M., born May 4, 1888; John L., 
October 4, 1892; Russell, December 17, 1895. 



490 The History of Adair County. 




Residence of Judge C. E. IMarkey, one mile north Kirksville 




Residence of Mrs. E. A. AlcDanield, Kirksville 



Biographical. 491 

JUDGE C. E. MARKEY, son of Jolin D. uiid .Margarot S. (Ziinmorman) Mar- 
kay, was born Scptoinhcr 'A, 1S51, in Frodorick County, Maryland. He was united 
in marriage .June lo, 1S7<), to I^yda Beeman, daughter of Otho H. and Catharine 
Becman. They had four cliikh-en, three of whom are living: Minnie A., born May 
19, ISSO, now I\lr.s. J. A. Barger of Kansas City, Kansas; Edward P., December :i, 
1881, who lives at Los Angeles, California; Bj-ron II., September 19, 1S91; Ora 
Mabel, born September 18, 1878, died April 24, 1887. 

Mr. Markey moved to Iowa with his parents when only six months old. In 
1857 his father moved to Atlair County, Missouri, pin-chasing a farm near Willmath- 
ville. Here he lived till 18(36, then moved to a farm just north of Kirk.sville. Mr. 
Markey lived there with his parents till his marriage, then bought his present farm, 
one mile north of Kirksville, where he now lives. He has 100 acres of land and a 
beautiful home, everything well improved. He is in the dairy bu.siness, and raises 
Jersey cows. 

In 1904 Mr. INIarkey was elected Judge of the First District, and re-elected in 
190(1. He is Republican, and takes an active part in politics; belongs to the Meth- 
odist Episcopal church, and the Masonic and K. of P. lodges. 

MRS. E. A. McDANIELD was born in Wappello County, lovva, Pebruary 5, 
ISol. She came to Adair Coimty, Missouri, with her parents, William and America 
Rich in 1857. She was twice married. On the 15th of March, 1870, she married 
William C. Coons. They had two children : Lillian Pauline, now Mrs. P. E. Mc- 
Carty of Kansas City, Missouri; and Earle George, also of Kansas City. Her sec- 
ond marriage was to Hugh F. McDaniekl, on September 9, 1884, who died at their 
home in Fayetteville, Arkansas, June 29, 1888. They had no children. 

After her husband's death she returned to Kirksville and improved the eighty 
acres she had inherited of the old Home Farm, originally 240 acres, purchased in 
1857, where she has since resided. Thirty-seven acres are inside the corporation of 
Kirksville She has one of the pretty suburban homes. A cut of it is given herewith. 

ALBERT R. GEIST was born and reared on a farm in Macon County, Mis- 
souri. There he lived till 1901, spending most of his time in coal mining. He then 
went to Colorado for one year, as prospector for a large mining company, then re- 
turned to Macon County, living there till 1904. At that time he came to Adair 
County, and engaged in work in the mines at Novinger several j'ears. Since that 
time he has engaged in the restaurant business at Greencastle, Edgemont, South Da- 
kota, and Stahl, Missouri. He is still engaged in that work at Stahl, coming there 
:n 1910. 

Mr. Geist was born March 10, 1875, a son of Aaron and Mary Geist. He was 
married December 26, 1896, to Susanna Morris, daughter of Shedrick and Mary 
Morris. They have four children: Beulah, born May 11, 1899; Geneva, January 

14, 1901; :Mary, November 16, 1903; Walter, August 24, 1907. 

He is a Socialist in politics and a member of the K. of P. lodge. 

CHARLES A. GHADWICK was born in Knox County, Missouri, June 22, 
1869. He is a son of John M. and Helen (Cantubeny) Chadwick. He was mar- 
ried October 26, 1893, to Emir McCreery, daughter of James and Eliza McCreery. 
They have two children: James Warren, born March 17, 1895: Russel M., July 

15. 1900. 

Mr. Chadwick comes of old Mis.souri stock. His gmndfuther .settled in Knox 



492 



The History of Auair County 




Charlos A. Chadwick 



Biographical. 



493 




494 The History of Auair County. 

County in 1842. Mr. Chadwick was born on the farm on which his grandfather 
settled after coming to this state, and lived there with his parents until twenty years 
old, attending the public schools. He then left home and started in business for 
himself, going to in Brashear 1890, where he served an apprenticeship as a plasterer, 
and worked at his trade several years. In 1894 he went into the hardware business 
in that place. He has always been active in public enterprises. When elected 
county collector he moved to Kirksville where he has since resided. His terra of 
office expired March 1, 1911. He is an ardent Republican and has always taken a 
very active parts in politics, having served as committeeman from his town for a 
number of years. He and his wife are both members of the Methodist church. He 
was appointed postmaster October 1, 1900, of Brashear, and served seven years and 
three months. He resigned January 1, 1907, to take charge of the collector's office. 

DR. MORRIS EDWIN DERFLER, a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 
was born AI;iy 27, 1872. He is a son of Euhart and Catherine Derfler. Euhart 
Derfler, the father, was born in Stamback, Bavaria, Germany, February 2, 1845, 
and came to America when six months old. His parents settled in Pennsylvania. 
He served in the Union Army during the Civil War. On January 31, 1871, he was 
married to Catherine Novinger, daughter of Joseph Novinger, and niece of John 
Xovinger, the founder of the town known as Novinger. Thej^ had one daughter 
and three sons: Morris Edwin, Harry Darlington, George Walker, Anna Elizabeth. 

Dr. Derfler came from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Adair County, Mis.souri, 
with his parents in the spring of ISSl. He attended the public schools of Harris- 
burg and Novinger district. He graduated from the Missouri State Normal School 
at Kirksville in 1902, and spent nine years in teaching in the public schools of Mis- 
souri. He was principal of the Brashear school, Brashear, Missouri, from 1896 to 
1898; principal at Hurdland, Missouri, 1898 to 1901; Superintendent of the Gilliam 
public schools from 1902 to 1905. He then attended the Missouri State University, 
obtaining a Rollins Scholarship in medicine in 1908; graduated from the Medical 
School of Washington University, St. Louis, in 1909, and the same year located in 
Novinger, Missouri, for the practice of his profession. In 1898 he was married to 
Odella May Moore. They have one daughter, Marion Kathryn. 

He is a Democrat, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

GEORGE W. EVANS, a native of Peoria, Ilhnois, was born August 2, 1849. 
He is a son of George and Martha Evans. He was married to Elizabeth Bailey, 
daughter of James and Ann Bailey, at Moberly, Missouri, on July 2, 1870. They have 
five children living and two dead: Etta, born January 1, 1872, now Mrs. Thomas 
McKinstry (her husband was killed in the Burlington and Rock Island wreck, Sep- 
tember 15, 1910, on his engine); John A., born December 25, 1874; William J., 
October 28, 1876 (he was killed in a mine explosion at Delugah, Colorado, November 
8, 1910. He was superintendent of the mines at time of explosion, trying to save the 
lives of the employees in the mine.); Daisy, born June 20, 1880, now Mrs. Ben Black- 
ledge, he is engineer Iowa & St. Louis R. R.; Charles F., July 24, 1887; George W., 
Jr., April 14, 1900; Walter A., May 17, 1903, died Sei)tember 10 same year. 

Mr. Evans remained in Illinois till 1868, then went to Iowa for a little over a 
year. He moved from there to Randolph County, where he remained eight years 
in the mining business. In 1894 he went to Putnam County, where he was super- 
intendent of the Emporia Coal & Coke Company. He moved to Unionville, re- 
maining till 1900, then came to Adair County, accepting the position of general 



Biographical. 



495 




Dr. Morris Edwin Derfler 



496 The History of Adair County. 

superintendent of the Manufacturers Coal & Coke Company, with headquarters 
at Connelsville. The company owns three mines at Connelsville and two at Nov- 
inger. The main headquarters of the company are at Chicago, A.E. Harper being 
the president. ]\Ir. Evans is a member of the K. of P. lodge. 

GEORGE W. DERFLER, son of Euhart and Catherine (Novinger) Derfler, 
was born January 9, 1881, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He was united in marriage 
to Bessie Andrews, daughter of John W. and Sue Andrews, January 1, 1905. 

Mr. Derfler came to Adair County with his parents in 1881 and settled near 
Novinger. He attended the public school at that place and in 1900 and 1901 took a 
course at a business college at Quincy, Illinois. For four years he was bookkeeper 
for the Miller ^Mercantile Company at Novinger, then accepted a position with the 
Rombauer Coal Company, first as bookkeeper, then as accountant and cashier, 
which position he held until 1910, when he resigned to accept a position with the Burk 
Bros. Meat and Provision Company, at Kirksville, Missouri. He is also a stockholder 
in that company. He is Democrat in politics, and a member of the K. of P. lodge. 

GFORGE B. EASLEY, a native of Rushville, Schuyler County, Illinois, was 
born December 10, 1854, a son of Thomas M. and Sarah A. Easley. He was mar- 
ried December 26, 1878, to Alice M. Spencer, daughter of J. M. and Laura A. Spen- 
cer. They have two children: Foster R., born November 28, 1880; Hattie May, 
November 3, 1882. Foster R. married Lola Workman, and is now in business at 
Brashear. Hattie is now Mrs. W. H. Young of Gibbs, Missouri. 

Mr. Easley came to Adair County in 1855, and remained for two years. He 
then went to Macon County for four years; lived in Kirksville again for two years 
moved to La Plata, remaining two years; then came to Gibbs in 1901, where he has 
since resided. He engaged in the hardware and furniture business; but at present 
is in insurance and notary work. He is a Republican, a member of the Christian 
church, and belongs to the Masonic order. 

F. R. MOORE, son of J. M. and C. A. Moore, was born March 29, 1883, at 
Brashear, Missouri. He remained with his parents on the farm till eleven years old, 
then moved with them to Gibbs, Missouri. He lived there five years, then moved 
to Brashear. Entering the Brashear News office, he learned the printer's trade, 
working with C. C. Howard. Later, at Hurdland and other places, he worked at 
his trade, taking a course in Oak Lawn College while at Hurdland. He was foreman 
of the Sentinel office at Edina for a short time, then in 1906 purchased the Brashear 
News, which he has since edited and conducted. 

LEWIS F. MOODY was born near Kirksville, June 28, 1856. He is a son 
of Ansalum and Sophia (Laton) Moody. He was united in marriage Ajjril 10, 1888, 
to Mary L. Teter, born in Randolph County, June 17, 1870. Mrs. Moody was a 
daughter of Saul and Rebecca J. (Kitchen) Teter. They have no children. 

Mr. Moody was reared on a farm about two miles north of Kirksville, where he 
lived till grown. He has lived and farmed in this (!Ounty all his life, except eight 
years spent in Macon, from 1888 to 1897. At present he owns a farm of about 100 
acres, five miles east of Kirksville, where he has lived for the past fourteen years. 

Mr. Moody is a Republican, and he and his wife both belong to the Christian 
church. Mr. Moody's father for several years was collector of Salt River ^ownship, 
and was an active minister of the Christian church for many years. 



BKXiUAI'HICAL. 



497 





George B. Easley 



F. R. Moore 




Mr. and Mrs. Lewis F. Moodv ami Residence o mi. K. Kirksville 



33 



498 



The History of Auair County. 




Biographical. 499 

GEORGE W. CONKLE was born in Ashland County, Ohio, July 10, 1842. 
In 1857 he moved from the farm where he was reared, coming to Adair County with 
his parents, Jacob and Sarah (Bartlett) Conkle. On December 21, 1871, Mr. Con- 
kle was mtu-ried to Miss Anna E. Steele, a native of Washington County, Maryland. 
Mrs. Conkle was born August 6, 1842. She was a daughter of William C. and Mary 
M. (Hetzer) Steele. Slie came to Adair County in 1859. 

Just before his marriage, Mr. Conkle bought a farm in the section whore his 
parents settled, north of Brashear, and lived there till his death. lie was killed 
November 13, 1902, on the streets of Brashear, by his son-in-law, Mr. Robertson, 
who was afterwards executed for the deed. The farm is still owned by his widow 
and son. They have 120 acres, one-half mile north of Brashear. 

Air. and Mrs. Conkle had three children: Bertha M., born May 5, 1873, now 
Mrs. Bertha Robertson; Nelson R., born Septeinber 10, 1878, lives in North Da- 
kota; Dora E., born November 2, 1881, now Mrs. John Scott, of near Brashear. 

Mr. Conkle was a member of the G. A. R. 

ALLEN G. McClelland, son of J. C. and EUzabeth (Fox) McClelland, 
was born July 12, 1860, in Mercer County, Missouri. He was married September 
7, 1884, to Mary N. Boyd, daughter of Charles and Susan (Atkinson) Boyd. They 
have twelve children living, one dead: Alva Earl, born June 29, 1884, died Decem- 
ber 17, 1888; Enola B., September 15, 1887; John J., December 1, 1889; Frances 
E., December 29, 1891; Charles B., November 16, 1893; Robert B., September 15, 
1895; William W., May 29, 1897; Mary M., April 25, 1899; James C, December 
22, 1900; Allen G., Jr., November 8, 1902; Madge N., July 12, 1907; Geanell E., 
A!)ril 20, 1909. Mrs. McClelland was born June 6, 1864, at Lineville, Iowa. 

Mr. McClelland moved with his parents to Decatur, Iowa, when only one year 
old. They lived there two years, then went to Fairfield, Iowa, remaining there until 
the spring of 1866, when they moved to Adair County, Missouri. He lived at home 
till about grown, then went into the railroad train service, working for several differ- 
ent companies. He worked at this for thirteen years, then in February, 1889, quit 
railroading, returned to Adair County, and resumed the occupation of farming. He 
has been here since that time. In 1904 he formed a partnership with Dr. Halladay, 
in his big farm. They own 480 acres, eight miles northeast of Kirksville. The 
home is no doubt the best country' home in this count}', or one of the best in North 
Missouri. It has twelve rooms besides basement, all of them large. It is thoroughly 
modern in every way, having its own light, heat and water plants. There are two 
bath rooms, concrete walks, fountains, etc. He raises Shorthorn and Hereford cat- 
tle (running a dairy), and Berkshire hogs. 

LEWIS GREGG, son of Andrew and Virginia (Workman) Gregg, was born 
April 16, 1860, in Adair County, near Gibbs. He was married to Miss Mary Long, 
October 18, 1893. His wife is also a native of Adair County. She was born Decem- 
ber 27, 1868, a daughter of George and Mary (Barr) Long. They had four children: 
Andrew G., born November 22, died December 24, 1894; Esther, born March 19, 
1S97; Robert L., September 29, 1901; Charles B., January 11, 1905. 

Born and reared on a farm near where he now lives, he remained at home till 
sirown and has always lived in the same neighborhood. He owns a farm of 220 acres, 
liis brother B. F. Gregg being a partner in the business. It is situated twelve miles 



500 



The History of Adair County. 




H 



O 



O 



P4. 



BlOCKAI'HK AL. 501 

southeast of Kirksvillo and is a splendid farm. H(> docs liciicia! farinin<^ and stock 
raisinp;. 

Mr. Greji^ h(4ongs to one of the ohh'st fatnihcs in the counly. He is KepuhH- 
can in ])oli1ics. 

THOMAS J. DOCKERY, a sou of John and .Mary Dockcry, was horn in Law- 
rence County, Indiana, August 28, 1845. He was married to Miss Julia E. Linder, 
September 26, 1867. ]\Irs. Dockery is a daughter of Rev. James H. and Salome 
Linder. They have three children: "Ethel Ardella, now Mrs. (Jeorge .\. Still; Leota 
Lillian, and Julia Estelle. 

Mr. Dockery came to Adair Comity July 4, 1855. He owns 2,400 acres of land. 
He has also built and owns several of the most substantial business iioiiscs in Kirks- 
ville, including the Dockery Hotel. 

Responding to Lincoln's first call for troops in 1861, he served until Novem- 
ber, 1864. Mr. Dockery taught school and lived on a farm till 1876, when he was 
elected County Surveyor and moved to Kirksville. He served eight years as Sur- 
veyor and Bridge Commissioner, superintending the building of the Chariton River 
bridges near Youngstown and Connelsville. For thirty years he has been engaged 
in real estate and abstract business. 

Prominent in Republican politics both in coimty and state, Mr. Dockery has 
been a delegate to the National Republican Convention in 1900, many times a dele- 
gate to the State Convention; has served eight years as County Chairman; several 
terms as a City Councilman ; and was twice elected Mayor of Kirksville. He be- 
longs to five fraternal organizations: G. A. R., Masons, Knights Templar, Elks 
and Odd Fellows: 

ULYSSES G. DOWNING was born in Sullivan County, Missouri, March 4, 
1809, being a son of David T. and Jane C. Downing. He was united in marriage 
April, 1893, to Edna Baker, daughter of George W. and Lenora Baker. Mrs. Down- 
ing was born at Princeton, Mercer County, Missouri, January 16, 1874. After 
their marriage they lived at Green City, the place of "Sir. Dovvning's birth, for several 
years. They have seven children: Mabel L., born April 15, 1894; WiUiam Earl, 
March 21, 1896; Basil U., August 12, 1898; Dai,sy Mildred, April 27, 1901; Ada 
Rosamond, January 1, 1904; Thelina Mrginia, February 10, 1907; Mary Loretta, 
April 5, 1910. The first three children were born at Green City, Missouri, the oth- 
ers at Kirksville. 

Mr. Downing was raised on a farm, and attended the public school. He taught 
for five years after he was grown. He is an ardent Repubhcan in politics, and was 
elecited to the office of county collector November, 1910. He belongs to the Meth- 
odist church, and the Odd Fellows lodge. 

WILLIAM O. CREASON, a native of Audrain County, Missouri, was born 
July 11, 1874. His parents were George H. and Mary A. (McClenny) Creason. 
He was married August 7, 1898, to Miss Berdine Lacock. They have one child 
— Willard G., born August 12, 1903. 

When only six years old, \\'illiam Creason moved with his parents to Livings- 
ton County, where he was reared. He attended the public schools and took a course 
at old Avalon College. When eighteen years old he left home and went to Kansas 
City. Here he worked for the street car company in the day time and attended bus- 
iness college at night, taking a course in stenography. He was stenographer for 



502 



The History of Adair County. 




Thomas J. Dorkerv 



Bi(!*;i^\riiiCAL. 



503 




KcsidiMicc (if Tlionia-- J. Dockery, Kirksville 




Lii^^)^^ ''^. 'I 




U. Cx. Downing County Collector 



^^'. (). Creason 



504 The Historv of Adair County. 

E. R. Cowcii Lumber Company at Kansas City for a sliort time, then went to Loiisi- 
ana and took charge of tlie wholesale lumber interests for a company there. He next 
went into the oil business at Beaumont, Texas; then back to Kansas City, taking 
charge of the wholesale orders of the Long, Bell Lumber Company; then to Kirksville 
in 1904, where he organiz(>d the Adair County Lumber Company, and was made man- 
ager. This company at one time had nine different yards, one being at Kirksville 
and one at Novingei-. On January 1, 1911, he sold out his interests here and bought 
a wholesale i)lant near Little Rock, Arkansas. His family is .still in Kirksville. The 
lumber plant he bought comprises o,500 acres, about 600 acres being in cultivation. 
Mr. Creason is interested in various other business enterprises and is a direc- 
tor in the Kirksville Building and Loan Association He belongs to the Elks lodge, 
and was largely responsible for their new clul) building erected in this city. 

TYLER PAINE is a nativ(> of Mercer County, Pennsylvania, born February- 
22, 1856. His parents were Stephen and Elvira Paine. He was married December 
30, 1897, to Estelle Hull, daughter of William and Lavina A. Hull. They have two 
children: Stephen M., born May 15, 1899; Mildred E., March IS, 1901. 

Mr. Paine was reared on a farm. He attended the public school and took a 
course in surveying in Thiel College, Greenville, Pennsylvania. He taught school 
and followed his profession till 1887, then came to this county. For six years after 
coming here he farmed, then in 1892 was elected County Surveyor. He has served 
in this office and as road and bridge commissi(jner and highway engineer since his 
first election. He is also interested in farming and owns a farm of 407 acres, six 
miles northeast of Kirksville. He is a director and stockholder of the Citizens Bank, 
was a member of the City Council six years, and City Engineer for two years. 

Mr. Paine is a prominent C)dd Fellow, also belonging to the M. W. A. ami Elk 
lodges. His wife is a prominent R(4)ekah and a member of the Presbyterian churcii. 
He is a Republican. 

THOMAS A. HULSE, a native of Yorkshire, England, was born February 
24, 1849, a .son of Thomas and Betty (Shirett) Hulse. He was married July 31, 
1870, to Caroline E. Linder, daughter of James H. and Salome F. (Baker) Lindcr. 
They had nine children, only four of whom are living: Lavinia, born July 5, 1871, 
died December 22, 1875; Richard A., May 18, 1873, died July 31, 1874; Stella, Au- 
gust 15, 1877, died March 2, 1889; Minnie, September 11, 1879; Julia E., January 
14, 1881, died January 2, 1910; Walter H., Sei)tember 23, 1882; Bertha, February 
18, 1889, died Augu.st 15, 1889; Lola L., July 1, 1890; Earl A., December 3, 1893. 
Minnie is now Mrs. Emery D. Waddill. Julia was married May 16, lOOfi, to INIarion 
H. Chambers. W'alter was married Mav U), 1908, to Pearl Talberl . 

Mr. Hulse came to America in Augu.st, 1868, landing in Adair County .soon after. 
The next year he went to farming in Walnut township. He continued that occu{)a- 
tion till 1!)()0, when he moved to Kirksville. He still owns the farm, in partnership 
with ('harles Millbaiik. It consists of 190 acres, three miles .south of Kirksville. 

Mr. Hulse is a Republican in pohtics. In 1894 he was elected county assessor 
and .served two terms. In 1909 he was elected city assessor, lie belongs to the 
Elks lodge. 



BlOGRAI'HICAL. 



505 




506 



The History of Adair County. 




BlO(iKAl'llU'AL. 507 

T. E. MALONE was born in Alacon ('(.uiily, Missouri, Dooembor 20, 1S62, 
being a son of Charles II. and Sarah Malonc lie was inarriod Xovomber 5, 1 06, 
to ]\Iinnie A. Woods, daughter of Asa and Leah Woods. They have two chilch-en: 
Esther, born October 11, 1,S97; Harold, Mareh 2, 1<)()2. 

Mr. Malone came lo .\ilair County, Missouri, witli his ))arents when two years 
old, and has since made liiis iiis home. He has a fine I'ariu of 270 acres, eight miles 
northeast of La Plata. He makes a specialty of slice]) feeding and breeding regis- 
tered Aberdeen Angus cattle. He is ;i Republican in politics. 

THOMAS MILLER wa^ born and reared on a farm in Adair County, Missouii, 
near the Macon County line, not far from the present city of Gifford. His father die<l 
wlien lie was only two years old. He lived with his mother till grown, then mar- 
ried and started farminu' for himself. He has l)een engaged in that occupation since, 
with the exception of four years, from 1S72 tt) i87(i, which he spent in Kan.sas City 
in the flour milling business. In 187G he returned to Adair County and bought his 
present farm w^here he has since Uved. It is only one-half mile north of where he 
was born. Part of his present farm was entered by his father when he came to Adair 
County. Mr. Miller hanfUes Polled Angus cattle, Poland China hogs and fine horses. 

He was born December 11, 1852, a son of Washington and Grace (Broyles) Mil- 
ler. On May 21, 1893, he was married to Emma Fusion, daughter of Albert and 
Eliza (McVey) Fusion. ?^Irs. ^Miller was born in Putnam County September 9, 
1876. They have eight children: Ernest, born March 11, 1894; Vernon, September 
26, 1895; Ethel, July 31, 1897; AUce, PVbruary 3, 1899; Andrew, December 16, 
1900; Cynthia J., April 22, 1902; Roscoe, June 18, 1905; Manford C, December 
30, 1909. Mr. Miller owns 280 acres of land. He is a Democrat. 

IRWIN DAVIS was born in Fairmont, Clark C'ounty, Missouri, November 12, 
1872. Mr. Davis married >,Iiss Pearl Cookson, June 15, 1895. In May, 1904, he 
established the Cornice and Tank AVorks, on North Franklin Street, in Kirksville, 
which establishment has grown so large that it requires most of the time of several 
men to keep the products manufactured, ready to fill orders. This company ships 
its products not only to various parts of Missouri, but many orders are coming in 
continually from other states. 

He is a Democrat in iiolitics and is an active member of the Chapter and Blue 
Lodge in Masonry. 

CHARLES F. HOLLENBECK, a native of Herkimer County, New York, 
was born August 6, 1850, a son of Francis and Margaret (Emery) Hollenbeck. He 
was married August 23, 1870, to Hulda Hunsaker, daughter of Bradford and Lao 
(Stice) Hunsaker. They have two children: De Loss W., born February 9, 1870; 
Auda E., August 10, 1878. One child, a daughter, Clara E., born August 16, 1873, 
died December 20, 1873. 

Mr. Hollenbeck came to Adair County with his jjarents in April, 18()8. His 
father bought a farm, and he lived at home till grown and married. Besides farm- 
ing, he has also worked at blacksmithing, wagon making and carpentering. Of late 
years he has devoted his entire attention to farming. He anci his wife and son De 
Loss, who makes his home with his parents, own 120 acres, three and one-half miles 
southeast of Kirksville. The farm is well improved, and their home is ver.y pretty. 
It is a part of the old Hunsaker homestead, on which Mrs. Hollenbeck was born. 

Mr. Hollenbeck is a Prohibitionist in politics, and a member of the Christian 
church. , 



508 



The History of Adair County, 



^ 








Farm Scene ami Kesidence nf Thomas Miller, near GilTord 



BlOCUAl'IlU'AL. 



509 




510 Thk History of Adair County. 




Hon. Samuel M. Pickler, Representative of Adair County 



BlOGHAPHICAL. 511 

SAMUEL M. PICKLER was born in Washington County, Indiana, in Novem- 
ber, 1846. His parents were George and Emily Piekler. When six years old he 
moved with tliem to Davis County, Iowa, where he grew to manhood and resided 
until 1866. He then came to Kirksville, Missouri. After coming ta Missouri he 
entered the ])rivate Normal School at Kirksville, taking an advanced course of study, 
and assisting as a member of the faculty. When this institution became a State 
Normal Mr. Piekler was made a regular member of the faculty, continuing in that 
position till 1873. He then turned his attention to journalism and for eight years 
thereafter was editor and proprietor of the Kirksville Journal. He has been a suc- 
cessful merchant, lumber contractor and land owner. 

Mr. Piekler has one daughter living — Mrs. F. P. Young; and one son deceased 
— Erie Kasson, who died at the age of twelve years. His present wife was formerly 
Ida Martin Fowler. Tht late Hon. J. A. Piekler, who served four terms in Congress, 
coming from South Dakota, Hon. R. M. Piekler, District Judge in Kansas, and Dr. 
E. C. Piekler, of Minneapolis, are brothers of S. M. Piekler. 

Mr. Piekler was elected to the Missouri State Legislature four times as repre- 
sentative from Adair County. He served in the 29th, 39th, 40th, and 46th General 
Assemblies. He was nominated for Congress by the Republicans of the First Mis- 
souri District in 1900, has served as School Commissioner of Adair County, Mayor 
of Kirksville, and Regent of the First District Normal School at Kirksville. 

JAMES HANKS, B. S., M. D., born February 6, 1860, is a native of Adair 
County. He was born near Brashear. He was a son of Wesley and Mary (Shelton) 
Hanks. He was united in marriage May 14, 1891, to Miss Estella Hopkins, daugh- 
ter of W. R. and Mary (Barnett) Hopkins. They have four children: Paul, born 
April 28, 1894; Ralph, August 24, 1895; Jean, August 14, 1897; Horace, Septem- 
ber 6, 1901. 

Although born in Adair County, Dr. Hanks moved with his parents just across 
the line into Knox County when but a small boy. Here he lived till about grown, 
attending the Brashear Academy, and Oaklawn College at Novelty, Missouri. He 
then taught school in this and nearby counties for seven years. In 1886 he began 
the study of medicine with Dr. S.-L. Ellis, then at Brashear. He then entered Belle- 
vue Hospital Medical College, New York City, from which he graduated in 1890. 
Since then he has taken one post-graduate course in New Orleans and one in Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio. On graduation in 1890 he entered the practice at Brashear, where 
he has been continuously since that time. He has one of the best professional libra- 
ries in North Missouri. Dr. Hanks belongs to the Masonic order. 

BENJAMIN A. LINTNER, son of Casper H. and Margaret (Hibbetts) Lint- 
ner, was born in Adair County, on a farm near Loefler, Missouri. He belongs to one 
of the old families of the county. He was married September 16, 1891, to Minerva 
Singley, who died January 15, 1903. They had three children: Mabel O., Amy L., 
and Lewis Iv. He was again married February 26, 1904, to Alice Hartman, daughter 
of H. K. Grisham. Mrs. Lintner was a widow, having one daughter — Gladys. 

Mr. Lintner moved with his parents to Shelby County, Missouri, when ten years 
old, lived there three years, then in 1883 moved to Carthage, where he lived one 
year. He lived two years in Allen Coimty, Kansas, one year in Lecompton, then 
in 1887 went to Humboldt, Allen County, where he lived till 1890. In the mean- 
time he attended school and clerked in several stores. He started out for himself 
in 1887, as bookkeeper in a bank at Humboldt. In 1890 he went to Kansas City, 



512 



The History of Adair County. 




Mr. and Mrs. li. A. Lintncr aiul ticvw at Suiiny.sloix- Dairy Farm, 
near Connelsville 



Biographical. 513 

accepting a position as bookkeeper for 8. A. lirown Lumber and Grain Company. 
In the summer of 1890 he quit this kind of work on account of bad liealth, and went 
back to his old home where he farmed for three years, buying a farm. He then sold 
his farm and w'as station agent for the O. K. at various places, moving to Green City. 
He raih-oaded till 1903, then went to Connelsville, where he works for the Manufac- 
turers Coal & Coke Company, being chief clerk of accounts. In 1906 he bought a 
farm five miles northwest of Connelsville. It is known as Sunnyslope Dair}' Farm, 
and consists of sixty acres. He conducts a dairy, handling thoroughbred Jersey 
cattle, registered O. I. C. hogs. He is a member of the Ma.sonic lodge. 

JOSEPH G. MAGERS, a native of Macon County, Missouri, was born Octo- 
ber 31, IS.^1, being a son of Yancey and Matilda (Greer) Magers. He was mar- 
ried December 31, 1872, to Mary A. Carter, daughter of LeRoy and Harriet (Ste- 
vens) Carter. Mrs. Magers is also a native of Macon County, born January 17, 
1849. They had two children: The oldest child died in infancy; the other, Ada 
v., born June 16, 1884, is now the wife of W. C. Bragg, living near Gifford. 

Mr. Magers lived on his father's farm in Macon County until his marriage, 
then went to Texas and farmed for four years. He then returned to Missouri, set- 
tled in Adair County, and bought a portion of the farm he now owns, which is just 
across the line from INIacon County, and one and one-half miles northeast of Gilford. 
The farm consists of 280 acres, well improved. He handles Hereford cattle, Poland- 
China hogs, fine horses, etc. He has lived there continuously' since coming here in 
1882. 

In 1904 he assisted in organizing the Bank of Gifford and was made its presi- 
dent, which position he now holds. He devotes much attention to his bank, though 
still Uving on the farm. His son-in-law, W. C. Bragg, assists him in running the 
farm and lives on a part of it. Mr. Magers is interested in many other business 
enterprises, and is president of the Gifford Brick and Tile Company. He is a Dem- 
ocrat, a member of the Baptist church, and belongs to the I. O. O. F. and Rebekah 
lodges. 

C. F. HICKMAN was born in Adair County, Missouri, March 11, 1875, being 
a son of Joseph and Nellie Hickman. He was married April 1, 1907, to Daisy L. 
Ewing, daughter of William and Anna Ewing. They have two children: Anita, 
born March 5, 1908, and Lorin, born January 27, 1911. 

Mr. Hickman owns a farm of 136 acres, situated three miles northeast of Stahl. 
He has lived and farmed in Adair County all his life. He does general farming and 
stock raising. Mr. Hickman is a Republican, and a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge. 

OTIS MILLER was born near Hudson, Ohio, May IS, 1834. His parents were 
Ransley and Abby Miller. He was married September 19, 1858, to Nancy D. Sloan 
daughter of David E. and Mary A. Sloan. They had nine children: Mary A., 
born June 29, 1859; Minnie V., January 22, 1861, died September 18, 1862; Clara 
E., February 28, 1863; Edwin D., September 16, 1866; Letitia A., May 6, 1868; 
Otis, Jr., March 28, 1870; Conrad B., October 8, 1872; Grace N., July 4, 1877; 
Kate E., September 30, 1879. 

Mr. Miller moved to Iowa in 1853, going to Hillsboro, coming from there to Kirks- 
ville, Missouri, on January 5, 1854. He farmed seven miles northeast of Kirks- 
ville until 1899, then retired, came to Kirksville and built a residence. He sold his 
farm, which consisted of 140 acres. His residence in Kirksville was destroyed in 



514 



Thk History of Adair County. 



jj^.^^'-^ar-^l^ 





Scene at the home of J. G. Magers, near Gifford 



Biographical. 



515 




516 The History of Adair County. 

the toniiido of April 27, 1S99, at which time his wife and daughter received serious 
injuries. Mrs. Miller has never recovered from the injuries she received. 

He was a member of Company A., 37th Missouri Volunteer Infantry, taking 
part in the battle fought at Centralia, Missouri. His Company lost their captain 
and fifty-six men in that battle. Mr. Miller was first sergeant, and it was part of 
his duty to report loss of life. He enlisted as private, was made Sergeant, later Ser- 
geant Major, then promoted to Second Tiieutenant in Company I, 41st Regiment, 
Missoui'i Volunteer Infantry. 

He is a Republican, and he and his wife belong to the Christian church. He is 
a member of Corporal Dix Post, No. 22, G. A. R. 

STEPHEN L. EGGERT was born October 24, 18(39, at Clarksburg, Indiana. 
He is a son of John and Matilda Eggert. When but a few months old he came to 
Adair County, his father having purchased a farm about seven miles northwest of 
Kirksville. Here he lived with his parents till sixteen years of age, when he went to 
making railroad ties for eighteen months. He then came to Kirksville and worked 
at the trade of plasterer for eighteen years. At the end of that time, in 1903, he 
embarked in the cement business, putting in cement walks, etc. In 1909 he also took 
up the paving business. He has put in about a mile and a half of paving in Kirks- 
ville, giving the best of satisfaction. He also does sewer work and has extensive con- 
tracts. 

Mr. Eggert also has an interest in the Adair County Brick and Coal Company, 
and is secretary of the company. 

On June 30, 1896, Mr. Eggert married Miss Ida M. Everhart, daughter of Sam- 
uel and Mary I. Everhart. They have three children: Carl I., born January 25, 
1904; Claude S., born December 23, 1906; and Frances May, born Octover 3, 1910. 

Mr. Eggert and his wife are members of the Presybterian church. He is an Elk 
and belongs to the K. of P., Maccabee, and M. W. A. lodges. 

FRANCIS HALLER was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, June 24, 
1883. He is a son of Samuel and Esther (Davis) Haller. He came to this county 
with his parents when only eight months old. He has lived with his parents on the 
farm continuously since, attending the public schools. When eighteen years old, 
he began to make his own living. He has been running a threshing machine and 
saw mill which he owns. He is a Republican, and a member of the I. O. O. I*\ 

SAMUEL PETER HALLER, born at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was a son of 
Jacob R. and Anna E.(Heintzelman) Haller. He was born September 9, 1834. He 
was married in 1869 to Mary James, who died in 1874. They had one child: Charles, 
born December 26, 1872. He lives at Kirksville. Mr. Haller was again married 
April 4, 1S78, to Esther Davis, daughter of Emmor and Anne (Linton) Davis. They 
have three children: Emmor J., born February 22, 1879; Francis, June 21, 1883; 
Willis D., November 17, 1884. 

When only a year old, Mr. Haller moved with his i)arents from Pennsylvania 
to Ohio, where he lived fourteen years. He worked at the jewelry trade with his 
father, and also learnerl the baker's trade. He followed these occupations in various 
parts of the country until 1852, when he went to Colorado and engaged in the min- 
ing business till the breaking out of the Civil War. He joined Company H, Second 
Colorado Regiment, and served till the end of the conflict. He was Corporal and 
Sergeant, and very honorably discharged. After the war, he and his jxirents came 



BlOCRAFHICAL. 



517 




Stephen L. Eggert. Kirksville 



518 The History of Adair County. 

to Adair County, and he lived with thorn till their death. He has been engaged in 
farming since coming here, buying his present farm in 1884. It is seven miles north- 
east of Kirksville, and consists of 330 acres. 

Mr. Haller comes from a famous family, and is a nephew of the late General 
Heintzelman. Mrs. Haller is English, and a descendant of Sir Arthur Linton. They 
are of the (Quaker faith. Mr. Haller died May 8, 1911. 

BENJAMIN F. HALL, a son of Jesse and Marthinia Hall, was born Octo- 
ber 17, 1841, in A\'ashington County, Ohio. He was married October IF>, 18B5, to 
Elizabeth Ashb}', daughter of Nathan and Elizabeth Ashby. He moved v/ith his 
parents to Knox County, Missouri, in 1856. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D.. 
21st Missouri Volunteer Infantry, serving his country until the close of the war. 
After his marriage he moved to Brashear, Adair County, Missouri, in 1881, where he 
engaged in buying and selling grain and stock until 1884. They then moved to a 
farm, one and one-half miles southeast of Brashear. There he lived till his death, 
August 1, 1898. The farm, which is now owned by his widow, Mrs. E. A. Hall, con- 
sists of 114 acres. He was a Republican in i)olitics, and a member of the G. A. K. 

THOMAS M. LUDDEN, the subject of this sketch, was born in Clinton Coun- 
ty, Ohio, July 21, 1866, but his parents brought him to Adair Coimty when he was 
three years old. They settled in Clay township before the village of Adair, started, 
and he grew up there. After attending the common schools, he went to thie Kirks- 
ville State Normal in 1888-9, and afterwards taught in Adair County, going thence 
to Marceline in 1894. In the vicinity of Marceline he taught the Oldham 'School 
three consecutive years, and was afterwards assistant princijial of the IMarceline 
schools. Locating in Marceline, he has since been identified with educational work 
as a member of the Board of Education, to which position he has been elected for 
the past twelve j'ears, serving as president of the Board half that time and now being 
in that capacity. He has also been city clerk seven years, serving longer' in that of- 
fice than any other man elected to it. 

INIr. Ludden was married in 1895 to Miss Anna Hardey, a native of lUinoi.-, 
but who came to Adair County in 1890. To this union have lieen l)()rii seven 
children, each of whom is living, as follows: (jorvase 1., .\nna Monica, J. B., Thomas 
M., Jr., Wilma Frances, Winifred Cecilia, an.d Ernest J. 

Mr. Ludden started in the real estate and insurance business in Marceline in 
1898, and his patronage has steadily increased since that time. It is safe to say 
that no man in the town has done more for its advancement, or has been more ready 
to put his shoulder to the wheel for any good movement, than Mr. Ludden. He has 
repeatedly refused public office, though offered him by his part}', and has only con- 
sented to ser\'c when he thought that wcukl best serve the community. His parents 
Bernard and Anna Ludden, will long be remembered as enrolled among the sterling 
pioneers of Adair. He also had five bi-others ;ind four si.sters, who look upon .\dair 
County as their iioinc. 

L. W. MARBLE, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, was born .Inly 16, lS,-,(). He was 
married .Inly 12, 1910, to Hattie E. Speeke, of Lincoln, Nebraska. The> have no 
children. .Mr. Marble is a son of L. O. and Amanda Marble. He was in the j(>we!rv 
business at Meringo, Iowa, in 1879 and 1880. Prior to that, however, he spent some 
time in the photo business at Vinton, Iowa; Lead City, South Dakota; Lincoln, Ne- 
braska; Sjjokane. Washington; Denver. Colorado : Omaha, Nebraska. Two years 



Biographical. 



519 




Residence of Mrs. E. A. Hall an 1 half tone of herself and deceased husband, 

Beni. F. Hall 



520 The History of Adair County. 

ago he came to Ivirksville. lie spent about thirty years in this business. For 
eight years he served as official photographer for the Burhngton Railway. While 
in Kirksville he had a studio on the north side of the public square, which he sold 
April 1, 1911, and moved West. Mrs. Marble is also an artist, doing fine work in 
oil and water colors. She is talented and has become noted for her landscapes and 
musical talent. 

JOHN PATTERSON (deceased) was born in Urshult, Sweden, July 10, 1831. 
He came to America in 1853, living first in Kentucky, then coming to Adair County, 
Missouri, in 1855. He entered a large tract of land, seven miles east of Kirksville. 
At the time of his death he owned 700 acres in that section, and was one of the big 
cattle men of the country, and one of the best known men in North Missouri. Ho 
lived on that farm continuously till his death, February 25, 1908. He was greatly 
interested in dairying, was president of the State Dairy Association for a number of 
years, and lectured over the country extensively on scientific dairying and farming. 
He also wrote a great deal for magazines and papers. 

Mr. Patterson was married March 27, 1861, to Elizabeth Richardson. They 
had one child — Ginevra, now Mrs. G. I. Green, who owns and lives on the old home 
place, consisting of the original 700 acres. His second wife was Maggie Sees; his 
third wife, Jane E. Hill, who lives just east of the old home place. 

Mrs. G. I. Green, the only daughter of the late "Uncle Johnie Patterson," was 
born on the old home place September 2, 1863. She was married September 8, 1880, 
to Henry E. Green, who died in 1892. They had two children: Inez, born May 
18, 1883, now the wife of Alfred Locke; Henry E., May 24, 1885. Mr. Locke and 
his wife, as well as Mrs. Green's son, live with her and help to conduct the farm. 

ALFRED HULSE, son of John and Cordelia (Smith j Ilulse, was born Novem- 
ber 2, 1872, at Troy Mills, Adair County. He was united in marriage December 28, 
1898, to Martha Collins, daughter of Bate and Susan (Nichols) Collins. They had 
three children, two of whom are living: Cordie, born April 22, 1904; Pearl, Octo- 
ber 12, 1906; Beuna M., October 16, 1899, died February 4, 1904. 

John Hulse, father of Alfred, was running the famous old woolen factory at 
Troy Mills at the time of the birth of Alfred Hulse. In about a year and one-half, 
however, he moved to the farm, giving up the old factory. Here Alfred Hulse lived 
with his parents till ten years old, when they moved to Kirksville. A year later they 
went to Shelby C^ounty and remained for three years, then moved to old Linderville. 
He assisted his father for some years in running a store at that place; later he mar- 
ried and began farming in that neighborhood. In 1904 he moved to Yarrow and 
carried mail on a route for a time, then in 1906 opened a general store at that place. 
He is still engaged in that business. 

Mr. Hulse is a Republican in j)olitics, and a nKMuhcr of tlic M. W. of A. lodge. 

T. C. LOWERY was born in Illinois, January 30, 1845. He was married March 
12, 1876, to Eunice C. Story. She was born February 22, 1850, and died November 
20, 1908. They had two children: Gertrude, born December 2(5, 1876, died Decem- 
ber 21, 1884; Mary Ellen, April 30, 1880, married Cornelius Desmond. 

Mr. Lowery came to Adair County, Missouri, about 1901. He owns a fifty acre 
farm. He is a Democrat, and was recently elected as Justice of the Peace for Clay 
township, Adair County, 



Biographical. 



521 




Residence of ISIrs. G. I. Greoii, the old Patterson home, 7 miles east of Kirksville 




Alfred Hulse's Store at Yarrow 



522 



The History of Adair Cotnty. 




BioauAVHU.Wj. 



523 





' ' V. _ 




r^Tl^ 




\ 



^ MUMBUI illlllilir i |^^~ fv ^^^^^ 



The Family an<l Rosidoncc of ^^■. E Ebert, miles southeast of Kirksville 



524 The History of Auair County. 

WILLIAM E. EBERT was born February 7, 1S72, in Pickaway County, Ohio. 
His parents were Nelson and Martha (Girton) Ebert. He came to this county when 
only a few months old. He lived at home and helped his father on the farm till 
grown, then started farming for himself. 

On January 23, 1898, Mr. Ebert was married to Miss Flora Gehrk(>, a daughter 
of Henry and Minerva (Hart) Gehrkc. They have one child — Myrtle Minerva, 
born February 12, 1901. 

Mr. Ebert has engaged in farming all his life. He bought his present farm in 
1899. It has since been his home. He does general farming and stock feeding. He 
is a Republican and a member of the Christian church. 

BERT PARRISH, M. D. was born in Queen City, Mo., June 13,1886. He 
is a son of Dr. A. W. and Emma (Bartlett) Parrish. He moved from Queen City to 
Kirksville with his parents when but eight years old, attended the public schools 
Kirk.'jville, and read medicine with his father and Dr. Martin. After graduating 
from the Kirksville High School, he took a course in the State Normal School, then 
attended the medical department of the Barnes University, of St. Louis. Graduat- 
ing there in 1908, he returned to Kirksville, and for a short time practiced with liis 
father and Dr. Martin. He then took a course in surgical clinics, at New York City. 
After completing the course, he returned to Kirksville and opened an office in the 
Miller building. He does a general practice, paying special attention to surgery. 
He is a member and vice-president of the State Medical Association, secretary of 
the Adair County Medical Association and a member of the American Association. 

Dr. Bert Parrish is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Elks lodge. 

JOSEPH E. NOVINGER, son of James H. and Elizabeth Novinger, was born 
in Adair County, Missouri, November 17, 1866. He was married November 4, 
1888, to Mary F. Albright, daught(>r of John and Nancy .\lbright. They have no 
children. 

Mr. Novinger was born and reared on the farm on whicli he now lives, one and 
one-fourth miles west of Novinger. He lived at home with his i)arents till grown, 
then married and went to farming for himself. In 1893 his father retired and moved 
to Green City, Missouri, leaving him in charge of the old home place. He has lived 
and farmed in this county all his life. The farm consists of 240 acres. He breeds 
Poland China hogs and Shoithorn cattle. Ho is a Rei)ublican and ])clongs to the 
K. of P. lodge. 

JOHN H. HOLTON, a son of Henry A. and Rebecca Holton, was born at Plym- 
outh, Illinois, December 31, 1854. He was married August 8, 1877, to Mary J.Cav- 
ett, who is a daughter of Rufus and Rebecca Cavett. They have two children: 
Emma L., born April 14, 1880, now wife of Dr. Hugh E. Penland, of Berkeley, Cali- 
fornia; A. Scott, born September 25, 1889, of Kirksville. 

Mr. Holton was born and reared on a farm in Illinois; but came to Kirksville 
in 1885. Two years later he went into the lumber business here, and now manages 
tiie Baxter Lumber Company yards, near the O. K. station. Mr. Holton takes a 
deep interest in lodge work, especially in the Masonic. He is High Priest of Cald- 
well Chapter, No. 53; Prelate in Ely Commandery, No. 22; district deputy lecturer 
for second Masonic District of Missouri. He is a Republican. 



Biographical. 



o25 




B. B. Parish, M. D., Kirksville 



526 The History of Adair County. 

J. W. HORTON was born February 2a, 1848, eight miles south of Kirksville, 
a son of WilUaiu and MaUnda (Haines) Horton. He was married to Mahssa A. 
Marcus, November 14, 1872. They had six children, only four of whom are living: 
Silas A., born September 11, 1873, lives at Billings, Montana; Flora E., August 9, 
1875, died January 20, 1907, was then the wife of James Arnold; Mary, October 24, 
1879, now the wife of Willis Moots, near Sperry; James H., January 12, 1883, died 
June 1, 1910; Walter B., December 1, 1884; Rosa, born March 19, 1888, now Mrs. 
C. H. Britt, of Texmo, Oklahoma. 

Mr. Horton lived on the farm with his parents till grown and married. He now 
owns fifteen acres one mile north of Kirksville. He has owned several fine farms, 
but has sold them off and retired. He is one of the oldest men who were born in this 
county. When he was born the county was in a wild state. Deer and Indians were 
plentiful. His father settled in this county in 1835, coming from Tennessee. He 
died in 1889. He was one of the oldest settlers, there being but one house in Kirks- 
ville when he came. 

Mr. Horton is a member of the Baptist church. Mrs. Horton is a member of 
the Methodist church. 

ALBERT E. HALLADAY, son of George W. and Ehza (Van Home) Halladay, 
was born October 21, 1875, at Kirksville, Missouri. He was married May 11, 1900, 
to Susan E. Campbell, daughter of William and Fannie (Long) Campbell. They 
have one child — Hortense Elizabeth, born December 9, 1901. 

Mr. Halladay lived in Kirksville till six years old and then moved to Sue City, 
Macon County, where his father conducted a store for four years, going from there to 
Hurdland and engaging in the mercantile business. In 1892 they quit the mercan- 
tile business and went to farming near Hurdland, remaining there till 1903, when the 
present farm was bought. During all this time Mr. Halladay remained with his 
father, and helped run the business. In 1902 his father removed to Kirksville, where 
he died November 22, 1910. 

The son now owns and manages the farm of 171 acres, five miles southeast of 
Kirksville. He also owns eighty acres near Hurdland, in Knox County. 

EDWARD P. HOMES was born in Adair County, Missouri, May 30, 1867. His 
parents were Parker H. and Alba Homes. He is a blend of the Yankee-Southern blood, 
his father having been born in Massachusetts, and his mother in Kentucky. He 
was educated in the common schools and the Kirksville Mercantile College, graduat- 
ing from the business department on the 11th day of May, 1888, with a general av- 
erage grade of 97. 

He was married September 16, 1891, to Mollie Turner, daughter of J. H. and 
Susan Turner. They have three children: Alpha, born August 9, 1892; Parker H., 
January 15, 1900; Gladys, December 13, 1902. 

Mr. Homes has lived on a part of the same farm all his life. It consists of 240 
acres, four miles northeast of I^a Plata. He makes a speciality of breeding registered 
Hereford cattle. 

He is a Democrat in politics, and a Past Grand member of La Plata Lodge, No. 
139, I. O. O. F. He is very much interested in the District School, having served 
as director, and district clerk over fifteen years. He is also a member of the Bank of 
La Plata, liaving been a shareholder in that institution ever since its organization. 



Biographical. 



527 




Residence of A. E. Halladay, his daughter Miss Hortense and her pet pony, 
"Daisy," 5 miles southeast of Kirksville 




Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Horton and their home, 1 mile north of Kirksville 



528 



The History of Adair County. 




Residence of Edward P. Homes, 4 miles northeast of La Plata 




Mr. and Mrs. .). \{. Houghton and their home, 2 miles west of Kirksville 



Biographical. 529 

JAMES H. HOUGHTON, a native of Lewis County, New York, was bom 
.May IS, 1S39. His parents were Richardson and Sarah (Bennett) Houghton. He 
was married November 27, 1870, to Cyrilda Hunsaker, (hiuf^hter of Bradford and 
Leah (Dyee) Hunsaker. Mrs. Houghton was born near Kirksville, January 13, 
1850. They had five children: Clarence R., born August 20, 1S72, died October 9, 
1882; Arthur J., July 6, 1874, died December 6, 1902; Henderson W., May 8, 1876, 
dieil March 13, 1908; Jessie J., February r,, 1879, now Mrs. Perry C. Wimer of Iowa; 
Miimie S., January 13, 1881, now Mrs. Robert Reed. 

Mr. Houghton remained on the farm in New York where he was born till 1862, 
when he joined Company K., Fifth New York Heavy Artillery, serving a little over 
three years. He saw much hard service in the South. He returnetl to New York 
after the war, and remained a short time. From there he went to Illinois, then to 
Iowa, and finally to Adair County, landing here in 1868. He has been engaged in 
farming since. In 1885 he bought his present farm, where he has since lived. The 
farm consists of twelve acres, two miles west of town. 

James Houghton is a Prohibitionist in politics, and a member of the Methodist 
church. He belongs to the G. A. R. 

ROSS W. PORTER was born and reared on a farm in Illinois, where he lived 
till grown. His parents were A. A. and Florence (Allingham) Porter. He was born 
in Warren County, September 11, 1879. He was united in marriage June 20, 1905, 
to Lula Hojjewell, daughter of John and Katherine (Gooch) Hopewell. They have 
two children: Ross H., born August 5, 1906; Donald A., May 12, 1908. 

Mr. Porter took a course at the Gem City Business College, at Quincy, Illi- 
nois. After completing this course he accepted a position with the Storm Bros. Han- 
dle Factory, remaining with them five years. Four years of that time he was their 
traveling salesman. He next went into the dry-goods busiEess, in which he is still 
engaged. The firm is known as the Porter- Wren Company, the members being 
Mr. Porter and Miss Wren. 

He is a Democrat, a member of the Christian church, and belongs to the K. of 
P. lodge. Mrs. Porter is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. 

JOHN PROPST was born in Adair County, in East Salt River township, June 
24, 1857. He is a son of Robert and Malinda (Ziegler) Propst. He was married March 
1, 1881, to Bell M. Voorhies, daughter of Ebenezer and Mary (Bell) Voorhies. They 
had three children, only two of them are living: Genevieve, born December 25, 
1881, now Mrs. J. R. Wright, lives in Evanston, 111.; Ernest V., November 16, 1884, 
died November 15, 1895; Homer V., November 10, 1886. 

Mr. Propst helped his parents on the farm till twenty-four years old, then mar- 
ried and began farming for himself. His father started him out with eighty acres, 
near the old home place. He lived there one year, then bought part of his present 
farm, it being a part of the old Voorhies place on which his wife was reared. He 
bought the other heirs out, later adding to his farm until now he has a farm of 420 
acres, situated four and one-half miles east of Kirksville. It is considered one of the 
best in the county and is splendidly improved. In 1910 he turned the running of the 
farm over to his son Homer V., and moved to Kirksville, where he has a beautiful 
liome. In addition to his farm he is interested in various business enterprises; is a 
stockholder in the Selby Poultry Company; stockholder and director in the Savings 
Bank. He is a Republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. 



530 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 



531 



^'?%^,^|g1 




City Residence and Farm Residence and barn of John Propst 



532 



The History of Adair County. 




Residence of Mrs. Amanda Gritfin, 1 1-2 miles north of Kirksvilh 




Dr. DufT's Drus Store, Gibbs 



Biographical. 533 

THOMAS W. GRIFFIN was l)orn January 22, 184.3, in Hocking County, Ohio, 
and (lied July 20, 189(5, at his homo in this county. He was a son of Henry and 
Betsy Griffin. He was married to Amanda James, January 17, 1878. She was 
born in Davis County, Iowa, October 30, 1859, being a daught(>r of Isaac and Nancy 
James. They had two children: NelHe F., born August 11, 1879; Thomas Ray, 
September 15, 1890. Nellie is now Mrs. W. F. Florea. 

Mr. Griffin came here with his parents in 1857 and lived here on the farm till 
grown. He farmed till 1881, when he moved to Kirksville and engaged in the gro- 
cery business for two years. He was also in some business at Bullion for three j'ears, 
then moved to Montgomery Count}', where he bought a farm and lived nine years. 
He then returned to Kirksville where he remained till his death, July 28, 1896. After 
his death his widow lived in Kirksville with her family till 1910, when she bought 
her present place. It consists of forty acres, one mile north of the city of Kirk.s- 
\ille. She has a beautiful home. Her son lives with her and helps manage the 
farm. 

JOHN D. DUFF, M.D.,sonof Jo.shuaand Louisa (Carthright) Duff, was born 
April l(i, 1857, in Hancock County, Illinois. On December 15. 1878, he was married 
to Kosaltha Asher, daughter of Abraham and Harriett Asher. They had five chil- 
dren, four of whom are living: Rosaltha Florence, born Februarj* 1, 1880, now Mrs. 
Edward L. Davis; Harry S., December 2, 1882, died March 16, 1905; Beeche Grace, 
November 2, 1884, now Mrs. Guy T. Rouner; Maurice C, November 4, 1886; Edna 
Pearl, October 4, 1888, now Mrs. Victor P. Kinnard. 

"Sir. Duff remained on the farm in Illinois, where he was born and reared, till 
grosvn. He attended the public schools and took a course in the Carthage College, 
then attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, graduating 
in 1887. He then practiced eight years in Kansas. After taking a course at the 

Medical School, where he graduated in 1890, he came to Knox County and 

practiced fourteen years. From there he went to La Plata for two years, then to 
Gibbs, where he has been since 1904. He has conducted a drug store at Gibbs the 
past three years. He built a handsome building in 1910. He is a member of the 
K. of P., M. W. A. and Yeomen lodges. 

ALBERT C. DUDLEY, son of Thomas E. and Lutitia (Hawkins) Dudley, was 
born in Adair County, near Millard. He was married to Florence Roberts June 
15, 1902. She is a daughter of Benjamin F. and Lucy (Allen) Roberts. They have 
one child — X'ena Fay, born April 10, 1904. 

When very young, Albert Dudley moved with his parents to Macon County, 
just across the line from Adair, part of the farm being in this county. His father 
died when he was yet small. He lived with his mother till grown, moving across the 
line into Adair County in 1890. When married he started farming for himself and 
later bought the old home place. His home is in Adair County, and his farm con- 
sists of 207 acres, only forty acres of which are in this county. He has recently built 
a very pretty home. Mr. Dudley is a breeder of Polled Angus and Shorthorn cattle. 
Poland China and Duroc Jersey hogs and fine horses and mules. He does general 
farming. 

Mr. Dudley is connected with the M. W. A. and K. of P. lodges and belongs 
to the Christian church. He is Repubhcan in politics. 



534 



The H18TOKY OF Adair County. 




Residence and Fauiily of A. C. Du.llc-y and .s,.nie ni lii.s stoek on farm, 

near Gifford 



Biographical. 535 

MARION C. MILI>ER, son of John D. and Louisa Miller, was born Decemljor 
19, 1S7;>, at Xincvcli, Missouri, (he old-time Duteli Colony. John D., father of 
Marion ('. Miller, died in August, 1<HH). Mr. Miller lived in Nineveh till 1SS2, then 
niovetl with his ])arents to Texas, returning in 1SS4. In 1897 Mr. Miller left home 
and went to Oregon. In two years he returned, going to Connelsville. He went 
into the mercantile^ business at Novinger, remaining two years, then moved his store 
to Connelsville, where he has since been in business. He first formed a partnership 
with J. W. Ciilluin, who later sold his interests to the Miller Mercantile Company. 

Mr. Miller was married May 12, 1901, to Arvilla E. Stej)hens, daughter of Frank 
and Eva (Leonard) Stephens. They have one child — Vivian H., born April, 1902. 
His wife died April 11, 1904, since then his has made his homo with his mother. 

JOHN NEWTON HARTSOCK was born in Knox County, INIissouri, Septem- 
ber 21, 1860. His parents are John and Melvina Hartsock. He was married April 
15, 1888, to Nettie Pearl Ginn, daughter of John and Martha Ginn. They had five 
children. Those living are: Waldo Emerson, born September 26, 1890; Belvie 
May, March 8, 1893; John Leroy, October 6, 1909. The other two died in infancy. 

Mr. Hartsock owns a farm of 40 acres, known as the Pleasant Hill Poultry and 
Fruit Farm. His specialty, however, is the manufacture of sorghum molasses. For 
eighteen years he has produced from one thousand to two thousand gallons yearly. 

He came to this county in 1864. Mr. Hartsock is a Republican, and a member 
of the Methodist church. 

SAMUEL NEWTON was born in La Fayette County, Wisconsin, July 17, 1859. 
His parents were William and Anna (Dalton) Newton. He was married July 13, 
1890, to Lillian Goodrich, daughter of Edson and Evaline (Phillips) Goodrich. They 
had six children: May, born May 11, 1891; William E., August 1, 1893; Ruth, 
August 19, 1894; Harry, June 30, 1901; Evahne, January 15, 1905; Opal, June 29, 
1908. 

Mr. Newton went to Macon, Missouri, with his parents when ten years old, 
living there on a farm till grown. He attended the public school, later taking a 
course in the State Normal School at Kirksville. After leaving school he was in the 
West a few years, then came back to Kansas where he farmed for fifteen years. In 
1900 he went to Macon County, remaining there on a farm till 1903, then he moved 
to Gibl:)s, going into the hardware business. He is still so engaged there. 

Mr. Xewton is a Republican, takes a great interest in politics, and belongs to 
the 1. O. O. F. lodge. 

JAMES E. RIEGER was born in Peoria County, Illinois, September 20, 1875, 
being a son of Gottfried and Rose Rieger. He was married August 25, 1900, to 
Alma Wray, daughter of W. M. and Angeline (Patterson) Wray. They have two 
children: Wray, born May 25, 1902; Nathan, February 13, 1904. 

Mr. Rieger came to Adair County, Missouri, from Illinois when a small boy. 
He attended the public school and took a course at the Normal School at Kirksville, 
then w-ent to the Missouri State ITniversity, where he graduated in 1907. Having 
read law he was admitted to the bar that same year, after which he engaged in general 
])ractice in this county till 1908. Although the county is largely Rejjublican, and Mr. 
Rieger is a Democrat, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Adair County. Refus- 
ing to be a candidate for the second term, he returned to the general practice. 

James E. Rieger belongs to the Baptist church, and is identified with the M. W. 
A., I. O. O. F., K. of P. and Elk lodges. 



536 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 



537 




Family and Residence of J. N. Hartsock, near Brashear. Farm is known 
as the Pleasant Hill Poultry and Fruit Farm 



538 



The History of Adair County. 




Saniuol Newton's Hardware Store, Cibh.s 



Biographical. 



1.39 




Attorney James E. Rieger, Kirksville 



540 The History of Adair County. 

JOSEPH W. MURFIN was born in Adair County, Missouri, September 3, 
1862, being a son of John W. and Matilda Murfin. He was married February 13, 
1889, to Ada Paul, daughter of James H. and Sarah Paul. They have one child — 
Russell, born Octolier 15, 1906. 

Mr. Murfin has a farm of eighty acres, situated six miles northwest of Brashear. 
He makes a specialty of breeding Polled- Angus cattle and Jersey hogs, etc. He is 
a Republican in politics, a member of the Methodist church, and belongs to the 
I. O. O. F., No. 522, at Brashear. 

LEVI GRISWOLD was born in Adair County, six miles from where La Plata 
now stands, November 15, 1858. His parents were John and Fannie (Shumaker) 
Griswold. He married Lucinda Salsbury January 25, 1888. She is a daughter of 
George and Polly R. (Hodge) Salsbury. They have three children: May, born 
May 26, 1890; Florence, April 26, 1895; Lola B., July 26, 1902. 

Levi Griswold was born on a farm in the south part of the covmty, and lived there 
till two years old, then moved to the farm he now owns. He has lived there contin- 
uously since, except one year he spent in Colorado and about five years spent on a 
farm in the same neighborhood. The farm he owns consists of 114 acre, two miles 
northeast of GifTord, in Adair County. It is well improved. He handles Shorthorn 
cattle, Poland-China hogs, Shropshire sheep, and fine horses. 

Mr. Griswold is Republican in politics, and has served as constable of Pettis 
township and road overseer of his district. He belongs to the Christian church and 
the I. O. O. F. and Rebekah lodges. 

JACOB GARLOCH is a native of West Virginia, being Ijorn in Preston County, 
June 22, 1849. His parents were Henry and Esther Garloch. He was united in 
marriage April 10, 1871, to Martha Kelley, daughter of John G. and Susan Ann 
Kelley. They had four children: Henry G., born August 26, 1872; Martha L., 
March 26, 1876; Jacob W., February 17, 1878; Ellen L., December 30, 1882. 

Mr. Garloch came to Adair County in 1855. His father shaved shingles for 
some of the first houses in Kirksville. He owns 404 acres of land, two and one-half 
miles northwest of Gibbs, Missouri. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of 
the ll^nited Bretliren church. 

JESSE B. HOPSON, son of Gary and Rebecca A. (Coleman) Hopson, was born 
March 8, 1859, in Adair County, \\'alnut township. He was married October 6, 
1878, to Miss Laura Urquhart, daughter of Alexander and Clarissa Urquhart. They 
have three children living and one (l(>ad: Ethelea, born July 9, 1879, died July 14, 
1899 (she was then the wife of Edward Johnston); Estelle M., October 14, 1885, 
now wife of J. D. Norman, of Linwood, Kansas; Claud(> R., born September 28, 
1888; Leland R., April 4, 1891. Both Claude and Leland are in Des Moines, Iowa. 

Mr. Hopson belongs to one of the old-time families of this county, and was born 
and rearefl on a farm near what is now known as Nind. Here he remained with 
his parents till grown. After his marriage he continued farming for three years, 
then went into the mercantile business at Osborn, Missouri. In a short time the store 
was destroyed by fire. He then went to Kansas and engaged in real estate business 
for five years; then came to Kirksville and clerked in a store for several years, and 
worked for three years at the lumber business. In 1901 he moved to Novinger, 
where he was employed by \'. Miller as manager for the .\(lair Lumber Compan^^ 



Biographical. 



541 




^^ I 1 

1 


1 1 

] 1 • Wl 


I 


a i 


jj" 


s t 


■■■1 




542 



The History of Adair County. 







m^ 



3if-»s 



Family and Ucsidencc of Levi Griswokl and flock of sheep on his farm, 

near Gifford 



Biographical. 



543 











544 The History of Adair County. 

yards, also managing the yard at Connelsville for a few years, finally returning to 
Novinger, where he has since resided and managed the yards. 

Mr. Hopson belongs to the I. O. O. F., K. of P. and M. W. A. lodges. He is a 
Republican. While in Kansas he served as police judge at Hoxie, was Justice of the 
Peace and also deputy Recorder of Deeds and deputy Clerk of the District Court. 

AMOS PROPST was born in Adair County, Missouri, November 7, 1858, be- 
ing a son of Robert and Malinda Propst. He was married September 10, 1882, to 
Mary E. Strock, daughter of M. F. and Ary Strock. They have four children: Ire- 
na, born November 9, 1885; Myron, March 18, 1891; Goldie, September 22, 1894; 
Earl, September 27, 1897. 

Mr. Propst owns a fine farm of 440 acres, situated six miles east of Kirksville. 
Mr. Propst has farmed all his life and has never held office. He is a Republican 
in politics, a member of the Methodist church, and belongs to the I. O. O. F. fra- 
ternity. 

SAMUEL T. WILLEY was born in (^ueen City, Schuyler County, Missouri, 
September 7, 1873. He spent his early life in that city, moving to Kirksville Feb- 
ruary 22, 1890. He has resided here since that time, except two years spent in Ma- 
con, Missouri. After graduating from the Kirksville High School in 1893, he im- 
mediately began working for the Kirksville Journal, where he learned the printer's 
trade and helped with the paper imtil 1900. He then opened a job office in Kirk.s- 
ville which he conducted for about three years. He moved to Macon, Missouri, at 
that time, accepting a position as foreman for the Times-Democrat office. He remain- 
ed there two years, then returned to Kirksville and re-entered the einploy of the 
Journal, being made foreman of the composing room. In January, 1908, he gave 
up this position, forming a company with other well-known Democrats of the city, 
and purchased the Kirksville Democrat. Mr. Willey was made secretary of the 
company, and is at present serving as secretary and assistant manager. 

On April 4, 1897, he was married to Miss Alta M. Dexter, of Rothville, Mis.scuri. 
They have three children: Eugena, born February 26, 1898; Maurine, August 13, 
1900; Fay, July 6, 1902. 

Mr. Willey is a Democrat and has always taken an active part in politics. He and 
his wife are both active members of the Christian church, Mr. Willey being a member 
of the official board and secretary of the Board of Deacons. 

JOHN A. WADDILL is a native of this county, born March 8, 1873, ten miles 
northeast of Kirksville. He is a son of Jacob F. and Mary (Adkins) Waddill. He 
was married April 17, 1901, to Sadie Sells, daughter of James and Cytha (Kessinger) 
Sells. They have two children: P>ank, born January 7, 1903; Lazell, June 3, 1905. 

Mr. Waddill attended the public school an<l took a course at the Kirksville Busi- 
ness College. He then engaged in the mercantile business at Sperry, remaining there 
one year. He farmed a short time, then went into th(^ lumber business. In 1910 
he .sold out and went to Colorado, returning February 1, 1911. He then took charge 
of the Adair Lumber Company yards, in which he re-purchased stock, and in which 
work he is still engaged. Mr. Waddill owns eighty acres of land in Colorado. 

He is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Ei)i.scopal church, and belongs 
to the 1. (). O. F. lodge. 



BlOr.HAPHU'AL. 



545 




The Family, Residence and Barn of Amos Propst, i 1-2 miles east Kirksville 



36 



5i6 The History of Adair County. 

THOMAS J. WALKER was born in Campbell County, near Louisville, Ken- 
tuckj% June 5, 184L He was married April 1, 1869, to Sarah A. Adams, daughter 
of Robert and Nancy (Oxier) Adams. She was born in Adams County, Ohio, May 
20, 1837. They have three children: Luella F., born January 17, 1872, now Mrs. 
V.' M. Wolf; Anna L., December 14, 1874, now Mrs. Cole Lewis; Albert H., March 
13, 1877, married Margaret Curry of Illinois. 

Mr. Walker moved to Ohio with his parents, Ellis and Margaret (Fleak) Walker, 
when only about one year old. He lived there till grown, then came to Adair Co., 
Missouri, in 1869. He enlisted in Company I, 39th Ohio Infantry, serving three 
years. He was severely wounded in a battle, near Atlanta, Georgia, the day of his 
discharge, July 4, 1864. He returned to Ohio, remaining till 1869, then came to 
Scotland County, Missouri. In 1877 he moved to Kansas, then came to Adair 
County in 1882. He has lived here since that time. He owns a place at Bullion, 
but for years has not been able to work on account of injuries received during the 
war. He is a member of the G. A. R., Corporal Dix Post, No. 22, at Kirksville. 

THOMAS S. WILSON was born July 6, 1871, in Adair County, Missouri. His 
l)arents were Hugh and Mary O. (Lee) Wilson. He was united in marriage Febru- 
ary 24, 1892, to Stella Bumpus, daughter of Franklin and Catharine (Talbert) Bum- 
pus. They have three children: Virgil H., born November 26, 1896; Icy C, Oc- 
tober 23, 1899; Ivy M., January 16, 1902. 

Mr. Wilson was born and reared on a farm near Old Wilson Town. He lived here 
with his father till grown and married. In 1908 he moved to Gibbs, where he bought 
a grist and feed mill, which he still owns and conducts. He also runs a farm of fifty 
acres, adjoining Gibbs, which he owns. He has a pretty home in Gibbs. His fa- 
ther is still living and makes his home with Thomas S. Mr. Wilson is a member of 
the M. W. A. and M. B. A. lodges. 

DANIEL M. WALKER was born in Johnson County, Indiana, January 27, 
1845. He was married March 17, 1863, to Eliza J. Davis, who died January 5, 1875. 
They had seven children, three of whom are living: Mary E., now Mrs. John Gash; 
Jesse B.; Henry M. His second wife was Sarah L. Voorhies. They were mar- 
ried February 19, 1879. They have six children living, one dead: Minnie B., now 
Mrs. Bowman; Albert E., deceased; Elmer E.; Lillie M., now Mrs. Fred Steeley; 
Seth A.; Roy R.; Susan E. 

Mr. Walker moved to McDonough County, Illinois, in 1854, after living a while 
in Clinton County, Indiana. He lived there un till 1862 when he joined Company A., 
84th Illinois Infantry. He served till the close of the war, seeing much hard ser- 
vice. He was severely wounded in the Battle of Chickamagua, September 19, 1863, 
captured by General Forrest, and paroled. After the close of the war he lived in 
Illinois till 1879, when he moved to Adair County, where he has since resided. He 
has been engaged in various occupations. 

Mr. Walker was a father before he was twenty, a grandfather when thirty-six 
and a great-grandfather at the age of fifty-eight. He had fourteen children, nine 
of whom are living; fifteen grandchildren, all living but one; ten great-grandchil- 
dren, all of whom are living. He can trace his ancestry back for many years. His 
father's people were English, Scotch and Irish. 

He is a socialist in politics, having been a Democrat until recentl3^ At the elec- 
tion of November, 1910, he was a candidate on the Socialist ticket for Judge at large 
of .\(lair County. He is a moinber of the G. A. R. and tlie Christian church. 



lilOtiKAi'lIlCAL. 



547 




Residence of T. J. Walker, Ikillion 




Residence of T. S. Wilson, Gibbs 



548 



The History of Adair County. 




D. M. Walker and daughter Mrs. Etta Gash; granddaughter, Mrs. Cora Walt> 
and great granddaughter, Mildred Watts 








Jtesidcnce of Judge D. H. Crawlinl, I miles west of Hrasliear 



Biographical. 549 

JUDGE D. H. CRAWFORD, sou of Joliu and Mary Crawford, \va« born in 
Columljus, Dhio, February 1, 1850. He was married July 13, 1SG9, to Miss Velma 
Standpford, daughter of Michael G. and Matilda Standeford. They had seven 
children: Adelade, born June 29, 1870, now Mrs. Chas. Seaver of Kirksville; Jen- 
netta B., July 27, 1872, now Mrs. J. R. Riley, Brashear, Missouri, R. F. D. No. 2; 
James W., February 1, 1874, located in Howell County, Missouri, farmer; Dr. D. 
Dwight, D. O., March 10, 1876, of Denison, Texas; Dr. J. S., D. O., January 19, 
1879, of Denton, Texas; Mary Velma, June 25, 1882, now Mrs. J. W. Garlock, Bra- 
shear, Missouri, R. F. D. No. 2; NeUic May, January 15, 1892, now at home. 

Mr. Crawford came to Adair County in October, 1856, residing here continu- 
ously since that time. He has Registered Shorthorn cattle, Shropshire sheep, and 
Poland China hogs. His horses are of high grade. 

In 1896, Mr. Crawford was elected a member of the county court, serving two 
years in that capacity. He assisted in building the new court house. 

Mr. Crawford has lived on the same section of land for over forty years. He is 
a Democrat. 

JOHN T. WADDILL is a native of Adair County, born on a farm fifteen miles 
southwest of Kirksville, October 23, 1873. He is a son of George M. and Martha 
(Sparks) Wad dill, both of whom are living. He was married January 27, 1899, to 
Miss Emma A. Wilkins, a daughter of A. M. and Mary Wilkins. They have three 
children: John Glenn, born November 25, 1899; Ellen Madge, August 18, 1902; 
Mildred Fern, April 1, 1907. 

Mr. Waddill was born and reared on the farm, attending the public schools and 
remaining with his parents until grown. After his marriage he taught school and 
farmed in that locality, later purchased a farm, which he still owns. It consists of 
271 acres and is fairly well improved. In 1899 he moved to Kirksville, where he 
accepted the position of Deputy County Clerk under W. R. Holloway, remaining 
in that office until 1903. After spending four years on the farm he was elected County 
Clerk, being again elected in 1910, and receiving the nomination of his party with- 
out opposition. He now lives at Kirksville, where he owns his residence. 

J. T. Waddill is a Republican in poUtics, and has taken a very active part in 
the affairs of his party. 

JACOB F. WADDILL, a native of Coles County, Illinois, was born April 6, 
18-10, a son of John and Delilah (Phillips) Waddill. He came to Missouri with his 
parents in 1855 and located northeast of Kirksville. He lived in that vicinity and 
farmed till 1895, then retired and moved to Kirksville, where he has since lived. 

He was married September 23, I860, to Mary J. Adkins, daughter of James 
and Susan (Kirk) Adkins. They have twelve children, nine of whom are living: 
Ursula, now Mrs. W. F. Maltbey; Asa F.; Avalee, now Mrs. Charles Rice; James 
E.; Ora T.; Robert H.; John A.; Maude E., now Mrs. Clyde Bumpus; Freddie L.; 
Travis S. (The last two named and Asa F. are dead); David S.; Lilah A., now Mrs. 
W. A. Fletcher. 

iNIrs. Waddill was a granddaughter of Jesse Kirk, for whom the City of Kirks- 
ville was named, and the first white child born in the city named for him. A Rem- 
iniscence written by her will be found elsewhere in these pages. Mr. Waddill is the 
father of more descendants than any other man in this section. He had twelve 
children, nine of whom are living; thirty-one grandchildren living, six dead; three 
great-grandchildren, all living, making forty-three living descendants. 



550 



The History of Adair County. 




John T. Waddill County Clerl 



Biographical. 



551 



^ 




552 



The History of Adair County. 




J;ic( b F. Wadilill 



Biographical. 



.553 




Four Generations — Air and Mrs. Jacob F. Waddill, and daughter, Mrs. W. F 

Maltbey, and her daughter, Mrs. Gordon Hill, and her daughter Miss 

Aileen Hill all of Adair County, Mo. 




Residence of J. W. Thrasher, Kirksville 



554 The History of Adair County. 

J. W. THRASHER was born in Adair County, near Brashear, May 18, 1846, 
being a son of Thomas K. and Frances Thrasher. He was married March 24, 1868, 
to Nancy J. Conkle, daughter of Peter and Margaret Conkle. They have two chil- 
dren: Olhe, born January 12, 1869, now wife of A. P. Sharp; Dora, May 3, 1878, 
now the wife of C. C. Howard. 

Mr. Thrasher was reared on the farm near Brashear, where he farmed till 1892, 
when he moved to Brashear and went into the mercantile business in 1900. He con- 
tinued in that business there till 1906, when he moved to Kirksville and engaged in 
the same business for two years. He then retired. He owns a farm of 160 acres 
near Brashear. He is Democrat, and a member of the Masonic lodge, and belongs 
to the Methodist Episcopal church, South. 

J. W. HATCHER was born near Jacksonville, Illinois, September 4, 1870, a 
son of Richard and Athalia Hatcher. He was united in marriage December 26, 
1897, to Mary E. Petree, daughter of Bailis and Mary A. Petree. They have four 
children: Loyd B., born November 10, 1901; Orville R., October 27, 1903; Mary 
Imo, July 19, 1906; Earl W., October 6, 1909. 

Mr. Hatcher came to Adair County in June, 1900. He has been in the abstract, 
loan and insurance business in this city for ten years. He was formerly a student 
at the Missouri State Normal at Kirksville for three years. His wife is a graduate of 
that institution, graduating with the class of 1895. Mr. Hatcher taught school for 
ten years in the public schools of Andrew and Clinton Counties, Missouri, serving 
the last two years as principal of the school at Lathrop, and at Birmingham. 

Mr. Hatcher is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Yeoman and Wood- 
man lodges. He has been for five years the superintendent of the Sunday School 
of the Christian church, and has been an active worker in all the departments of 
church work. For ten years he has served in various official positions in the church. 
He takes part in ]iolitics, and stands for progressive improvement. 

THOMAS BRUNER was born in Martin County, Indiana, October 3, 1835, 
a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Blackwell) Bruner. On February 6, 1867, he w'as 
married to Polly Dabney, who died May 23, 1910. His wife was a daughter of Thom- 
as J. and Cassie (Walker) Dabney. To this union was born one child — Charles J. 
Bruner. 

Mr. Bruner moved to Illinois with his mother when twelve years of age, his 
father having died two years previous. He lived in Illinois until 1849, when they 
came to Adair County, Missouri, where he has lived continuously^ since. In 1862 
he enlisted in Company G, 27th Missouri Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted as a 
])rivate, was promoted to corporal, served three years until the close of the war, scor- 
ing much hard service, but was only slightly wounded. At the close of the war he 
returned to Adair County and soon after married. For about twenty-five years 
he has owned and lived on his present farm, which consists of 160 acres, six and one- 
half miles southeast of Kirksville. He also owns town property and other business 
interests. Mr. Bnmer is a member of Corporal Dix Post, G. A. R. He is Repub- 
lican in politics and served a number of years as Justice of the Peace immediately 
••iftcr tlie war. He belongs to the Methodist church. 

DR. GERALD ALFRED SPARLING was born at St. Marys, Canada, Jan- 
uary 21, 1856, being the oldest son of John and Rachel (English) Spading. He was 
marri(>d August 24, 1880, to Miss Mary E. Lsles, (laughter of Nicholas and Martha 



c 






556 The HirixoRY of Adair County. 

D. Isles. They have six children; Martha E., born July 23, 18S1 ; John Nicholas, 
August 27, 1883; Gerald Alfred, June 16, 18S6; Mary Rachel, April 17, 1888; Vir- 
ginia Grace, September 24, 1893; Eugene McKinley, November 8, 1898. 

Dr. Sparling's father's family came to the United States in 1864, settling in 
Washington, Guernsey County, Ohio, and moved to Chillicothe, Missouri in the 
s])ring of 1868. In 1880 he graduated from the American Medical College at St. 
Louis, after which he practiced his profession two years in Chillicothe. In July, 
1882, he came to Kirksville and established his practice, remaining there since that 
time. He sei'ved as coroner of Adair County from 1905 to 1909. Besides his pro- 
fessional interests he owns city properties and a farm of forty acres. He is a Re- 
publican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and belongs to the Masonic 
lodge. No. 366. 

HUGH MERIDETH, son of William and Martha (Hilhs) Merideth, was born 
June 28, 1874, at Cantrel, Iowa. He was married December 5, 1899, to Stella Pratt, 
born in Linn County, Missouri, September 7, 1882. They have two children: 
Claude H., born February 1, 1909; Mary M., July 29, 1910. 

Mr. Merideth lived at home till 1896, attended the public school at Cantrel 
and took a course at a business college at Burlington, Iowa. He then worked at a 
lumber yard in Cantrel for seven years. In 1896 he came to Gibbs, where he went 
into the lumber business, in which he is still engaged. 

EDWARD F. WALTERS was reared on a farm in Knox County, near the Adair 
County line. He was born there January 17, 1874, a son of Michael and Rachel 
M. (Wade) Walters. In 1891 he came to Adair County, Missouri, and spent his 
early life in farming. He attended the Kirksville Mercantile College the winter of 
1896-7, worked as clerk in a store in Kirksville the following summer, and worked in 
a store at Gibbs, Missouri, the following winter. 

He farmed again for awhile, and in 1902 was examined and received the ap- 
pointment as carrier on Mail Route No. 5 out of Kirksville, but resigned before the 
Route was started to accept the place of Deputy County Collector under F. ^A'. 
Gibbs, which place he filled for three years, during his first and second terms of office. 
In the spring of 1905 he bought a store at Gibbs, Missouri, where he has since lived. 
He runs a grocery store, a very large one for a town of the size of Gibbs. 

He was married December 20, 1899, to Daisy A. Young, daughter of Ben. W. 
and Emily (Elmore) Young. They have three children: Bonnie, born May 6, 
1902; Edward M., December 2, 1906; Hollis, June 19, 1908. 

Mr. Walters belongs to the Republican party. 

B. F. WORKMAN was born in Adair County, Missouri, July 31, 1861. His 
parents were Friend and Amanda Workman. He was married January 18, 1885, to 
Sabina Elmore, daughter of John and Nancy l<]lniore. They have three children: 
Leola, born January 21, 1886; Esther, April 7, 1S90; Byron Elmore, July 13, 1892, 

Mr. Workman has lived in Wilson township all his life. He owns a good farm 
of 520 acres, well improved, five and three-foiu"ths miles northeast of La Plata. He 
feeds eighty to one hundred cattle every year. The farm is just three miles from 
Gibbs. He prides himself on his fine stock. He raises fine hor.ses, thoroughbred 
Plymouth Rock chickens, etc. In polilics he is a Democrat. He is a member of the 
I. O. O. F. ant! K. of P. lodges of La Plata. His wife belongs to the Methodist Epis- 
copal church. He is a stockhplder and director in the Bank of La Plata. 



Biographical. 



00 i 



o 




558 



The History of Adair County. 




u 



Biographical. 



559 



H 



O 




560 



The History of Adair County, 




Biographical. oGl 

CHARLES S. SANDS was born in Kirksville, March 2, 18G9. He is a son of 
Jacob and Caroline (Herrell) Sands, who are old residents of Adair County, Jacob 
Sands, his father, being one of the early settlers. He was married March 2, 1890, 
to Bess Moore, a daughter of I. and Kate (Malloy) Moore. They have one child — 
Lucile, born January 10, 1892. 

Mr. Sands lived at home with his parents until fourteen years of age, attending 
the public schools and State Normal at Kirksville. When only eleven years old he 
began an apprenticeship for a jeweler, and three years lat(>r left home and worked at 
his trade in various parts of the country, continuing his travel for four years. At 
that time he started in the jewelry business for himself, at Albia, Iowa. He re- 
mained there six years, then went to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he stayed four years. 
In 1898 he came to Kirksville where he has since lived continuously, and engaged in 
the jewelry business. He is located in the new Miller building and has a store which 
is regarded as one of the best equipped in the state. 

He is a member of the Masonic, I. O. O. F. and M. W. A. lodges, taking great 
interest in that kind of work. He has for seven years been secretary of the Business 
Men's League, of Kirksville, and it was largely through his initiative that the Fried- 
man-Shelby Shoe Company located in Kirksville. He is a large stockholder and sec- 
retary- of the Kirksville Gas, Heat and Electric Company. He is a RepubHcan in 
politics. Mr. Sands is also a member of the Executive Board of Missouri's State 
Jewelers' Association. 

JOHN L. PORTER is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born at Gettysburg 
in that state, September 14, 1834, being a son of John B. and Harriet K. Porter. 
He was married November 10, 1861, to Mary E. Ivie, a daughter of William H. and 
Louisa Ivie. They had seven children, four of whom are living: Harriet K. and 
Vincent O., who died in infancy; W. T.; Mary E., died October 1, 1906; Stacey 
G., now wife of Dr. F. C. Miller; Laura W.; Julia L., now wife of Frank Garth. 

In 1839 Mr. Porter moved to Missouri with his parents, settling at Jefferson 
City. He lived there at home till grown, and then went into the telegraph con- 
struction business. He superintended the building of the first telegraph line from 
St. Louis to Leavenworth, Kansas. 

In 1853 the family moved to this county, where Mr. Porter has since made his 
home. After coming here he was engaged in farming for a time. Then in 1858 
his brother, W. T. Porter, was elected Circuit Clerk and Recorder, and Mr. Porter 
served as deputy under him six years, excepting the time he was in the service of 
Uncle Sam. He served about a year in the enrolled Missouri Militia, and was also 
Provost Marshal of Northeast Missouri for five months. Mr. Porter was deputy 
Circuit Clerk at the time of the burning of the court house, and it was through his 
efforts that most of the books of that office were saved, an account of which is given 
in the historical part of this book. He also served some years as Probate Judge 
by appointment. 

In the meantime he read law and was admitted to the bar here in 1860, though 
he never engaged in the active practice. Shortly after this the test oath law was 
passed and he refused to subscribe to it, and consequently was not permitted to 
practice. 

Just prior to the war Mr. Porter and his brother went into the real estate busi- 
ness here, having the first agency of that kind in the county. Mr. Porter was also 
the first man in the county to be granted a commission as notary. 



562 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 



563 




564 



The History of Adair County. 




Jolin L. Portor, Kirksville, 



Biographical. 565 

After the war Mr. Porter was again engaged in the real estate business here, 
and from 1864 to 1866, freighted from Atchison, Kansas, to Denver, Colorado. He 
was for a few years in the clothing business, and also in the grocery business, at Kirks- 
ville. In recent years he has retired from mercantile pursuits and has devoted his 
time to the real estate business, and looking after his various interests. 

When the coal fields began to be opened up here he took an active part in it. 
He helped to organize the Porter Coal and Mining Company and the Pennsylvania 
and Missouri Coal and Mining Company, being made presitlent of both companies. 

Mr. Porter is still actively engaged in business and has many interests in the 
county; owns several tracts of farm land and a large number of business and dwell- 
ing houses in Kirksville. He is a stockholder in the Kirksville Trust Company and 
Citizens National Bank. 

He is a staunch Democrat, and has always taken an active part, in politi(;s. He 
is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to the Blue Lodge Chapter, Commandery 
and Shriners. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and Elks. 

LAFAYETTE LORTON is a native of Burlington, Iowa. He was born Feb- 
ruary 10, 1855, a son of James L. and Julia A. (Knapp) Lorton. He was married 
January 13, 18S7, to Anna Vaughn Kerns. She is a native of Sullivan County, a 
daughter of Alexander and Jane (Laughead) Vaughn. They had two children: 
George V., born December 28, 1887; Jessie R., July 1, 1890. Mrs. Lorton was the 
widow of James S. Kerns, who died October 3, 1881. They had two children: Al- 
exander, born October 16, 1877; James A., April 15, 1881, died April 30, 1901. 

Mr. Lorton is almost a native of Adair County, coming here with his parents 
when only four weeks old. The family came across the country with an ox team. 
Soon after coming here his father entered land near Sublette. Mr. Lorton lived 
with hi.s parents till grown. When twenty-three, he started farming for himself. 
In 1895 he bought his present farm, consisting of 300 acres, four miles north of Kirks- 
ville. He is a breeder of Berkshire hogs, fine cattle, horses, etc. He is a Republican 
in politics. 

JOHN C. MILLS, a native of Schuyler County, Missouri, was born July 31, 
1860. His parents were Andrew J. and Frances A. (Payton) Mills. He was married 
October 3, 1887, to Minnie A. Mott, daughter of Edward and Mary S. Mott. They 
have tla-ee children: Mabel A., born February 12, 1889; now wife of Dr. Harry C. 
Kirkbride, of Norristown, Pennsylvania; John C, Jr., born May 8, 1891; Anna 
Mary, October 8, 1893. 

Mr. Mills was born and reared on a farm near Lancaster, Missouri. He attend- 
ed the Lancaster High School and the State Normal School at Kirksville. He stud- 
ied law and was admitted to the bar at Lancaster in 1896. P'orming a partnership 
in law with Judge Edward Higbee, he practiced law in Lancaster till 1904, when he 
came to Kirksville and opened up an office under the same firm name. Mr. Higbee 
came to Kirksville also, and they have since been residents of this city .They still 
maintain the. office at Lancaster, vvliich is in charge of W^alter Higbee Besides his 
law bu.siness Mr. Mills owns several farms in this and other states. He is interested 
extensively in the mercantile business and other business enterprises. 

Mr. Mills is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Masonic, I. O. O. F., 
M. W. A. and Elk lodges. He served as county clerk of Schuyler County for eight 
years, 1890-1898. 



566 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 567 

DR. W. T. STEPHENSON was born in St. Louis, November 18, 18.51. He 
moved from that city to Linneus, Missouri, with his parents when but eight years 
old. He attended the public schools of that city, graduating from the high school, 
then took a course of lectures in medicine. After practicing at Browning, Missouri, 
for a few years, he entered the St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduat- 
ing from that institution in 1892. Immediately after receiving his degree he went 
to Milan, Missouri, where he practiced his profession until 1S96, then moved to 
Kirksvill(>. \\'hile in Browning he served as postmaster of that city for four years 
under President Cleveland. He was also president for the local Pension Board at 
Milan, Missouri, 1893 to 1896. From 1903 to 190.5 he was the owner of the Kirks- 
ville Democrat. L>pon coming to Kirksville he gave up his active practice of med- 
icine and went into the drug business, in which he is still engaged. He recently 
moved into the new Miller building, and has what is regarded as one of the most up- 
to-date drug stores in North Missouri. Associated with him in business is his son, 
D. L Stephenson, a registered pharmaceutist. 

Soon after the close of the Spanish War a handsome sword, costing $200.00, 
was presented to Captain Arthur P. Willard, by the State of Missouri, in honor of 
his planting the first American flag on Cuban soil. Dr. Stephenson was chairman 
of the committee appointed by Governor Dockerj' to make this presentation. The 
other members of the committee were Sam Pickler and Dr. Warren Hamilton. 

Dr. Stephenson is a staunch Democrat and takes an active part in politics. For 
several years he has been secretary of the County Committee. 

JAMES H. SEFRIT was born in Daviess County, Indiana, June 24, 1863, be- 
ing a son of William and Mary (Mathews) Sefrit. He was married February 26, 
1900, to Jennie Barrett, daughter of William and Anna Barrett. They have three 
children: Clarence, born September 28, 1903; Harvey, August 21, 1905; Lucile, 
^Nlarch 26, 1911. Mr. Sefrit has two children by a former marriage: Jessie, born 
November 9, 1893; Frank, November 30, 1896. 

Mr. Sefrit moved to Illinois with his parents when about three years old. There 
he lived till grown, then went to Iowa where he lived fifteen years, engaging in farm- 
ing. He then came to Adair County, in 1902, and bought his present farm, where he 
has since lived. The farm consists of 160 acres, six miles northeast of Kirksville, 
all well improved. He handles fine horses, cattle and mules, and does general farm- 
ing. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Both he and his wife belong to the Rebekah 
lodge. 

REV. A. C. TUDOR, pastor of the L^nited Brethren church at Brashear, was 
born in Wabash County, Indiana, at the city of Wabash, being a son of William F. 
and Sarah E. Tudor. He was married October 17, 1900, to Emma M. Littler. 

Mr. Tudor went to Topeka, Kansas, about twenty-three years ago, and lived on 
a fruit farm. He was educated at Lecompton, at the Lane University; also took a 
course in voice culture and elocution at the School of Oratory at Topeka. After 
teaching five years in the public schools of Kansas he entered the ministry. In the 
last fourteen years he has held the following appointments: One year in mission- 
ary work at Bridgewater, South Dakota; one year at May Day, Kansas; one year 
at Ogden, Kansas; five years at Fostoria, Kansas; three years at Holton, Kansas; 
one year at Trenton, Missouri; two years at Brashear, Missouri. 

Mr. Tudor is a Prohibitionist in politics and belongs to the Masonic, I. O. O. F. 
and M. W. A. lodges. 



568 



The History of Adair County 




Biographical. 



569 




Residence of W. P. Turner, 2 1-2 miles east of Kirksville. 




Residence of Jas. H. Sefrit, 6 miles northeast of Kirksville 



570 The History of Adair County. 

WILLIAM P. TURNER was born in Belmont County, Ohio, January 21, 1848. 
The family moved to Washington County, Ohio, about the year 1854, where they re- 
sided until the breaking out of the Civil War. While only sixteen years old, Wil- 
liam entered the army, joining Company H, 1st Ohio Volunteer Cavalrj', serving 
imtil June 27, 1865. After the close of the war he returned to his old Ohio home, 
and in 1867 came to Missouri, settling near Clarence in Shelby County, where he 
lived for three years, then returning to Ohio, residing near Marietta for seven years. 
At that time he came back to Missouri, and lived on a farm until the year 1882, then 
moved with his family to Adair County, buying 240 acres of land, lying two and a 
half miles east of Kirksville, where he and his family have resided for nearly thirty 
years. 

William Turner was married October 14, 1870, to Sarah F. Carothers, daughter 
of Louis F. and Angelica (Miller) Carothers. Mrs. Turner is a native of Lewis Comi- 
ty, Missouri, and was born October 23, 1846. They had nine children, only three 
of whom are living: The oldest, Thomas E., was born April 28, 1871, and is now a 
doctor, residing in Philadelphia, Pa.; Henry P. was born December 12, 1872, died 
November 26, 1892; William was born October, 1876, died March 11, 1896; Ella, 
was born October 30, 1874, died December IS, 1879; Lucy was born November 18, 
1879, died July 21, 1881; Grace, now Mrs. George Noe, was born May 21, 1882, 
and now resides on a part of her father's farm; Pearl, now Mrs. George Hunter, 
was born July 21, 1885, and now resides in Knox County, Missouri. 

Mr. Turner handles Shorthorn cattle and does general farming. His land is 
well improved and he has a beautiful home. In politics he is Republican; in relig- 
ion affiliating with the Christian church, and is a member of the Grand ,\rmy of 
the Republic. 

FRANK A. STROUP was born near Peoria, Illinois, July 25, 1877, being a son 
of I. F. and Martha Stroup. He was married September 8, 1897, to Maud V. Frank- 
ford, daughter of Henry and Lydia Frankford. They have two children: Pher.a, 
aged twelve, and Etelka, aged seven. 

Mr. Stroup moved to Randolph County, Missouri, at the age of three years, 
remaining three years; then to Bevier, Macon County. On May 3, 1894, he came 
to Novinger, Adair County, where he has since resided. He attended the public 
school at Prairie school house, near Bevier, until thirteen years of age; then entered 
the mines at that place. He has since filled every position in and about the mines. 
He operated the Spring Valley Coal Company at Stahl, Missouri. In connection 
with his father he has been identified, as one of the pioneer developers of the .\dair 
County coal fields, having been engaged in contract coiistrurtion work, sinking shafts, 
buikling railroad switches, etc., during the progress of ojjening up this great coal 
field. H(< has also (>ngage(l in the hardware and furniture business as managing mem- 
ber of the Stroup-Xunn Hardware Company. He is secretary of the Xovinger 
Building and Loan .\ssoc'iation, ha\ing held that j)osition since its organization 
in 1904. 

Mr. Stroup is Republican in politics and served as postmaster of Novinger, 
Missouri, under the appointment of President William H. Taft. He is loyal to his 
party and was always identified with its interests. He is active in educational af- 
fairs, having been one of the l)oard of directors when Novinger built the first school 
building of importance. 

Having the distinction of being the best marksman of the county, he is an ar- 



Biographical. 



571 




572 The History of Adair County. 

dent field sportsman, enjoying hunting and trap shooting. He has many trophies 
as evidence of his skill as a shooter, both at trap and in the field. He is now conduct- 
ing an office of notary, insurance, abstract and law, as well as operating a farm near 
Novinger. 

ROBERT G. SCOBEE, son of Robert and Dulcenia J. (Norman) Scobee, wa;s 
born in Ralls County, Missouri, February 19, 1853. He was married February 1, 
1873, to Nannie B. Cummins, daughter of Elijah and Mary Cummins. They had 
nine children, all but two of whom are living: Lillie M., born November 21, 1873, 
now Mrs. Frank Dowdy; Isaac E., May 6, 1875; Bertie N., March 11, 1877, now 
Mrs. Casten Dodson; Nora B., March 2, 1879, now Mrs. Robert Norman; Rob- 
ert M., March 11, 1881; Jeptha D., November 29, 1883; Dulcenia E., October 26. 
1885, now Mrs. Guy Bundy; Walter B., February 18, 1887, died in March, 1889; 
Isaac E., died July 23, 1907; Paul P., January 19, 1892. Isaac E. was an osteo- 
path, and was shot and killed at Nevada City, California. Jeptha D. is also an 
osteopath, at Monroe City. All of the children are married except Paul. 

Half of the farm on which Mr. Scobee was born is in Ralls County and half in 
Monroe. In 1861 they built on the Monroe County side, and moved into that county. 
Robert Scobee lived at home till married, then bought a farm near his old homo, 
where he lived till 1881, then moved to Adair County. He has since made his resi- 
dence here. He farmed and bought and shipped stock till 1906, then went into the 
mercantile business at Millard, remaining in that business for one year and a half. 
He then bought and sold grain and cattle, still living at Millard. In September. 
1910, he went into the mercantile business at Gibbs. He has been the owner of many 
different farms. Mr. Scobee is a Democrat and belongs to the Masonic and M. ^^^ 
A. lodges. 

MICHAEL WEBER was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, December 17, 1846. 
then a P>ench province, now a part of the German Empire. His parents were jNIi- 
chael and Magdaline (Spillman) Weber. They came to this country when Michael 
was but three months old, settling first in Ohio. Here they remained eleven years, 
then in 1858, came to Adair Coimty, Missouri. He lived with his parents till grown, 
then farmed a number of years. In 1890 he bought a mill at Yarrow, which he has 
since conducted. They grind feed, meal, buckwheat, flour, etc. It is the oldest 
mill of the kind in the county, and was erected in 1847. It is run by water power. 
In 1910 Mr. Weber put in an electric light plant, which is run by the same power 
as his mill. He not only furnishes light for his own home, but the stores and a few 
residences at Yarrow. This is said to be the smallest town in the United States 
having an electric light plant. Besides the mill, Mr. Weber owns a farm at Yarrow, 
consisting of 260 acres, which he manages. 

Mr. Weber is of German descent. His grandi'atlicr was an officer vmder Xapo- 
leon, and fought with him for fourteen years. 

On May 4, 1881, Mr. Weber was married to Magnolia Hays, daughter of Har- 
rison and Jane (Waddill) Hays. She was born in this county April 14, 1861. They 
have four children: Harrison, born April 25, 1882; John, February 15, 1884; Eva, 
Augu.st 3, 1887; Henry, May 1, 1890. Mr. Weber belongs to the Republican party. 

N. L. WHITE, born at Fountain Green, IlUnois, May 8, 1862, is a son of Jary 
and Elizabeth White. His father was a pioneer of Hancock County, Illinois, coming 
from Vermont in June, 1835. He was married November 13, 1883, to Ella N. George. 
They have one son, Chellis E., born October 14, 1884, who is employed by the Met- 



Biographical. 



573 



w 



td 



Q 
a- 

o 




574 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 575 

ropolitan Life Insurance Company. Formerly was Deputy County Clerk under 
J. T. Waddill. 

Mr. White came to Adair County, Missouri, in March, 1893, and settled in 
Clay township. There he farmed two years, then came to Kirksville, where he was 
employed by the Adair Lumber Company. The following year he went to La Plata 
and bought an interest in the La Plata Lumber Company, where he remained in 
business for two years. He then sold out, went to Brashear, purchased a hardware 
stock, and controlled that concern for two years. He then sold that business and 
came to Kirksville, where for the past eighteen months he has been manager of the 
Adair Lumber Company. 

He is Republican in politics, a member of the Methodist church, and member 
the M. W. A. He is a member of the City Council from the Fourth Ward. 

COLONEL W. H. JOHNSON, a native of Callaway County, Missouri, was 
born October 2, 1849, being a son of W. O. and Mary Johnson. He was married 
March 2, 1904, to Sophia Mitchell, daughter of L. B. and Malinda Mitchell. Mr. 
Johnson has a farm of eighty acres near Gibbs. He is also an auctioneer and has 
cried hundreds of sales in this and adjoining counties. He gives special- attention 
to live stock and is often called to other states to assist in thoroughbred stock sales. 
For some time he was marshal at West Plains, Missouri. He has lived in Adair County 
for six years. Mr. Johnson is a Democrat in politics, and both he and his wife are 
members of the Christian church. 

RUFUS G. HUMPHREY, a native of Kentucky, was born in Morgan County 
of that state May 28, 1859, being a son of Rufus and Catherine Humphrey. He 
was married January 27, 1887, to Beatrice V. Combs, daughter of Harvey E. and 
Lucile Combs. They have five children: Juanita, born April 7, 1890, now the wife 
of Thomas P. Jones; Forest Talmage, September 7, 1896; Rufus Harvey, March 
5, 1900; Marguerite, August 5, 1893; Duward M., September 1, 1910. 

Mr. Humphrey was born and reared in Kentucky, coming to Scotland County, 
Mis.souri, in 1884. There he lived till 1894, then moved to Lancaster for three years. 
In 1897 he came to Kirksville, where he has since lived and been engaged in marble 
and real estate business. He is now in partnership with F. W. Gibbs. Mr. Hum- 
phrey is a Republican in politics, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and 
belongs to the Masonic and M. W. A. lodges. 

ROBERT L. MILSTEAD was born December 31, 1848, in Ray County, Mis- 
souri. He lived there in the farm till fourteen years of age, when moved to Iowa 
with his parents, remaining there three years, then moved to Macon County, Mis- 
souri. After living there one year he came to Adair County and farmed until 1907, 
when he moved to Brashear, engaging in the general merchandise business with. his 
brother. The firm was known as Milstead Bros. Later his brother sold his inter- 
est to H. T. Wilson and Mr. Milstead's son, William Everett Milstead. Mr. Mil- 
stead owns a residence in Brashear and eighty acres of land adjoining. He was en- 
gaged in farming in Adair County forty years. 

Robert Milstead was married December 10, 1872, to Margaret E. David.son, 
daughter of James and Elizabeth (Fair) Davidson. They had nine children: 
Carrie Maude, born February 1, 1874; John E., October 10, 1875; Myrtle, Decem- 
ber 24, 1878, died July 7, 1879; WiUiam E., August 20, 1881; Anna E., March 23, 
1884; James R., June 15, 1888; Glen M., October 21, 1891; Genevieve M.,June 
15, 1895; Leta W. March 6, 1898. 

Mr. Milstead is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. 



576 



The History of Adair County 




Residenep of N. L. Whito, Kiiksvillc 




ll'.'.siliMicc of Col. \V. II. Johnson, near GibljH 



BlOCKAl'HlCAl.. 



577 



|:d 



w 




578 The History of Adair County. 

HIRAM T. HALL, a farmer living six inilos southeast of Kirksville, was born 
and reared on a farm near Pure Air, moving near Bullion when nine years old. He 
has lived in the same vicinity continuously since. At the time of his marriage he 
bought his present farm, which consists of 111 acres, two miles southwest of Bul- 
lion, six miles southeast of Kirksville. He has a fine farm, a beautiful home, and 
is a breeder of thoroughbred Poland-China hogs. 

Mr. Hall was born June 12, 186S, in Adair County, being a son of W. A. and 
Delcena (Cain) Hall. He was married February 28, 1894, to Myrtle Ebert, daugh- 
ter of Nelson and Margaret (Girton) Ebert. Mrs. Hall is also a native of Adair 
County, born near Kirksville, December 14, 1874. H. T. Hall is a Republican, 
and he and Mrs. Hall are members of the Methodist church. 



CLARENCE B. McCLANAHAN was born near Millard, Adair County, Mis- 
souri, September 14, ISGS, being a son of John D. and Jeannette McClanahan. He 
was married September 15, 1890, to Miss Julia A. Johnson, daughter of Joseph Q. 
and Sophia Johnson. 

Mr. McClanahan has a well improved farm of 160 acres, 11 miles southeast of 
Kirksville. The farm is well watered and stocked with the best breeds of cattle, 
horses and other stock usually kept by the progressive farmer. 

He is a loyal Democrat, having for eight years been a member of the Democratic 
Committee from Wilson township. He was the Democratic candidate for Repre- 
sentative in 1908, carrying his full i)arty vote. He is a prominent member of the 
I. 0. O. F. lodge. 

Mr. McClanahan was one of the first farmers of this county to purchase an auto- 
mobile. It is due to such enterprising spirits and indomitable energy as that mani- 
fested by Mr. McClanahan that this county ranks among the foremost of our great 
Commonwealth. 

FRISBY H. McCULLOUGH, son of Lieut. Col. Fri.sby H. McCullough, C. S. 
A., and Eloisa Anne McCullough, is a' native of Marion County, Missouri. He 
was born November 25, 1862. On July 23, 1889, he was married to Florence L. 
Engeroff, daughter of Christopher and Lucy Engeroff, of Columbus, Ohio. They 
had three children: Frisby H., Jr., born August 9, 1890; Helen D., April 28, 1892, 
died June 6, 1911; Anne Ehzabeth, January 8, 1899. 

His father, Colonel McCullough, was executed at Kirksville, August 8, 1862, 
by order of Colonel McNeill, an account of which is given in the historical part of 
this work. As is stated there, it is now almost universally conceded that he was 
shot without due military process of law, and Colonel McNeill has been severely 
criticised for his action. Colonel McCullough was regarcknl as a brave and bril- 
liant officer, and the mann(>r of his d(>atli was as heroic as ever written in the pages 
of the world's histor^^ 

Mr. McCullough graduated from Georgetown LTniversity Law School in the 
class of 1889. Since that time he has been practicing his profession at Edina. He 
is considered a very brilliant and able lawyer, and has appeared in many of the most 
important cases in the courts. He is a Democrat, a member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, South,' and belongs to the Edina Lodge, No. 291, A. F. and A. M.; 
Royal Arch Chapter, No. 62, R. A. M., Edina, Missouri; No. 464, B. P. O. E., Kirks- 
ville; also a member of Camp No. 4312, M. W. A., Edina, Missouri. 



Biographical. 



57 9 




iSIr. and Mi>i. H. T. Hall and nioco, Miss Myrtle Ebert, six miles southeast of 

Kirksville 




Spellbinder 2nd, 49573 
Head of Willow Branch Herd, property of H. T. Hall, E. R. 5 



580 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 581 

FRED DARROW, a native of the city of Kirksville, IMisscjiiri, was l)orn Jan- 
uary 27, 1868, being a son of ]'](l\viii and Orvilla F. Darrow. He was inariied Oc- 
tober 10, 1894, to Minnie L. Bundy, daughter of Alfred and Louisa IJundy. They 
have two children: Vivian, born August 17, 1895; Helen B., December 29, 1898. 

Mr. Darrow is a well known citizen of Kirksville. He is a Republican in poli- 
tics, and is deeply interested in the political and educational affairs of the city. He 
served for a time as a member of the Board of Education of the public schools of 
Kirksville. Mr. Darrow is a member of the Masonic, I. O. (). F. and K. of P. lodges. 

B. C. BARROWS, a hotel-keeper at Gibbs, Missouri, was born in Illinois, 
April 27, 1868, being a son of Otis T. and Dora Barrows. He was married January 
25, 1891, to Etta Mitchell, daughter of Lemuel B. and Malinda Mitchell. After 
his marriage he lived on a farm one year in Knox County, Missouri, near the little 
town of Locust Hill. From there he moved to the town of Gibbs, Adair County, 
and there followed the occupation of hotel keeping. For the last nineteen years 
he and his wife have enjoyed a fine business, being among the very first to settle 
in Gibbs. Mr. Barrows' residence in situated in block twenty-one, in the southwest 
corner of Gibbs, he being the owner of the entire block. Mrs. Malinda Mitchell makes 
her home with her daughter, Mrs. B. C. Barrows. 

Mr. Barrows is a Republican and a member of the Christian church. 

JUDGE THOMAS W. FICKEL, a native of Hocking County, Ohio, was born 
January 31, 1847, being a son of William and Mary (Pullen) Fickel. When about 
twenty-two years old he married and moved to Adair County, his parents coming 
here at the same time. They purchased the farm where Judge Fickel still lives. 
It consists of 160 acres, four miles south of Kirksville. They have a well improved 
farm and a beautiful home. In 1909 he moved to Kirksville to send one his of sons 
to school, leaving the farm in charge of his son, Leo Fickel. In July, 1909, he was 
appointed County Judge of the First District, on the resignation of Judge Z. T. Ha- 
gans. 

Mr. Fickel is a Republican in politics. He was married December 10, 1878, 
to Jennie Henry, daughter of Howard and Evaline Henry. They had five children: 
Charles E., born October 23, 1879, married and lives in New York; Leo P., March 

7, 1881; Frank H., August 16, 1882, died August 15, 1890; Mary E., January 20, 
1890, died September 4, 1890; Roy E., October 11, 1893. Mr. Fickel was first mar- 
ried before coming from Ohio, to Adeline Webb, April 28, 1868. She died April 

8, 1872. They had two children: WilHam W., died April, 1875, when about five 
years old; John W., now about forty years old, is married and lives at Memphis, 
Missouri. 

JAMES E. WADDILL was born and reared on a farm, remaining with his pa- 
rents till twenty years old. He then went to farming and stock raising for himself, 
continuing that business till about thirty years old, purchasing a farm in Clay town- 
ship. He still owns 160 acres in that neighborhood. He then came to Kirksville, 
where he went into the lumber business, continuing in that business for about eight 
years. While engaged in that work here, he became interested in the banking busi- 
ness, and was for several years president of the Citizens National Bank. Selling 
out his interests there, he assisted in organizing the Kirksville Trust Company, and 
was made president of that bank. He also helped to promote a large brick and 
cement plant at lola, Kansas, and .still has extensive interests there. In 1908 Mr. 



582 



The History of Adair County. 




p:! 



Biographical. 



583 




584 



The History of Adair County. 




Judge TliouKis W. Fickcl, Kiiksvill(> 



BlOCJKAI'IIK'AL. 080 

Waiklill sold out his iiitcrest.s in the Trust Company and went into tlie wholesale 
lumber business at Kansas City, in which he is still engaged, but devotes most of his 
attention to the real estate business. The company with which he is connected 
has offices at Kansas City and Denver, Mr. Waddill making his headquarters at the 
latter place. He is still interested, and is a large stockholder in the Adair Lumber 
Company yards. The company owns eight yards in various parts of the country. 
Mr. Waddill was born in Adair County, Missouri, eight miles northeast of Kirks- 
ville, March 17, 1865. His parents were Jacob F. and Mary J. (Adkins) Waddill. 
He was married February 8, 1888, to Augusta Rice, daughter of Columbus and Cath- 
erine Rice. They have three children : Orid E., born May 4, 1891; Mary, January 
16, 1894; Eva, December 16, 1897. Both Mr. and Mrs. Waddill come from old- 
time families of Adair County. 

CHARLES E. ZEIGLER was born and reared on a farm adjoining where he 
now lives, in Liberty township. He had difficulty in getting an education, only 
attending -school about eighteen months all told. He studied at home at night and 
at odd times; took examination for a teacher's certificate, and was given a first grade. 
After that he farmed in the summer and taught school during the winter for nine- 
teen years, teaching several years in the same district. He then quit teaching and 
devoted his entire attention to farming eight years ago, but has taught two terms 
since. In leisure moments he studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1898, 
Ijut has never entered active practice. At present he devotes his time mostly to 
farming, and owns 320 acres of land, two miles southeast of Pure Air. He is a breeder 
of thoroughbred Chester White hogs. 

Mr. Zeigler was born May 7, 1863, being a son of Harrison and Elizabeth ( Wha- 
len) Zeigler. He was married August 4, 1909, to Minnie McMillan, daughter of 
Edward W. and Emily (Goodrich) McMillan. He has three children by a former 
wife, Oma J. Scofield, who died February 7, 1897. They were married February 
28, 1889. The children are: Chester L. and Lester L., twins, born June 22, 1890; 
Elmer H., February 18, 1894. 

Mr. Zeigler's father, Harrison Zeigler, was born in Pennsylvania, November 
13, 1813, coming to Adair County, Missouri, in 1859. Here he lived till his death, 
September 13, 1893. His wife, who was Elizabeth Whalen, died March 19, 1910. 
They had nine children, six of whom are living, five in Adair County. Mr. Zeigler 
lias a powder-horn which was carried by his great-grandfather, John Zeigler, during 
the Revolutionary War. He was a Revolutionary soldier. 

Charles Zeigler is a Reiniblican and a member of the I. O. (). F. fraternity. 

HARRY N. ERVIN, a native of Burlington, Iowa, was born August 16, 1881, 
being a son of Nathaniel M. and Bell (Dalashmutt) Ervin. He was married April 
10, 1909, to Laura Bailey, daughter of Elijah R. and Louisa Bailey. They have 
one child — Glenn Nathaniel, born June 16, 1910. 

Mr. Ervin moved to Adair County, Missouri, with his i)arents October 26, 1885. 
He was reared in this county, and is engaged in farming. He owns a farm of 240 
acres situated, east half of the northeast quarter of section 34; northeast quarter 
of the southeast quarter of section 3; west half of the northwest quarter of section 
35; northwest (quarter of the southwest quarter of section 35, township — , range 17. 
He does general farming and stock raising. He is a Democrat, a member of the 
Episcopal church, and belongs to the I. O. O. F. and D. of R. and M. W. A. 
lodges. 



586 The History of Adair County, 




Prof. 1). .Idik's, Claims to bo the World's Champion SjwUer 



Biographical. 587 

D. JONES was born near Glcnwood, Schuyler County, Missouri, Aufiusf 10, 
1844, beinff a son of James and Susan Jones. He was married July 1.3, 1865, to Dul- 
cinea Batman, daughter of William and Mary Batman. They have five children: 
Victoria, born May 28, 1866; Viola, of Kansas City Missouri; Stella, now dead; 
Dulcy, of Kansas City, Missouri; Thomas, a merchant in Kansas City, Mi.ssouri; 
Prudence, also of Kansas City, Missouri. 

Mr. Jones, known as the champion English spell(>r of the world, is a well-known 
teacher of Adair County. He has had a standing challenge for many years, but has 
never been defeated as the champion speller, although his challenge has been an- 
swered several times. Besides his reputation along this line, he is also a public sp:'ak- 
er and has written extensively for papers and magazines. Mr. Jones has taught in 
eight ditil'erent counties of the state and has taught several years at Pleasant Hill, 
No. 1, near Wilmathsville, Adair Coimty, Missouri, being still employed in that 
district. He is a strong, enthusiastic teacher. He is a Democrat and a member 
of the I. O. O. F. lodge. 

BEN F. JONES, D. D., a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, began 
his work upon the prairies of Western Kansas, and has had, a thorough training in 
hardships well known to the pioneers of that state. He has preached in sod houses, 
school houses, tents, and in the open; has ministered to congregations where the 
cow-boy and plainsman formed an interesting part of the audience; has had a full- 
fledged poker game going on in one end of the building while trying to cast out devils 
at the other end. He gives it as his experience that a sermon and a poker game 
can get along in the same building if they have to. 

Mr. Jones was born in Plummers Landing, Fleming County, Kentucky, March 
21, 1868. He was married April 9, 1889, to Charlotte Glad3'S Kimball, daughter of 
George W. and Harriette (Lloyd) Kimball. They have five children: Ben C, 
born January 17, 1892; Linn Irl, October 4, 1893; Alice Judith, May 31, 1896; Char- 
lotte Frances, August 6, 1906; Minnie May (by adoption), May 31, 1886. Minnie 
May is now Mrs. Harry E. Moore of Trenton, Missouri. Mr. Jones entered the 
ministry when twenty years old, and has served continuously in the regular pastor- 
ate until the present. For sixteen years he was a member of the Southwest Kansas 
conference, transferring from that to the ^Missouri conference in the s])ring of 190.5. 
For three years and six months he was pastor of the First Methodist Church at Tren- 
ton, Alissouri, coming from there to Kirksville, where he has the pastorate of the 
First Methodist Church. On June 2, 1910, the Memorial LIniversity, of Mason 
City, Iowa, conferred the degree of Doctor of Divinity upon him. 

He is a member of the Sons of Veterans, of which he has served as Chaplain, 
Division Chaplain and Chaplain of the National Commandery, having been connected 
with that order twenty-three years; has belonged to the K. of P. lodge since 1890, 
and is a member of the local lodge at Kirksville; was made a Mason in 1895; be- 
longs to Adair Lodge, No. 366, and Caldwell Chapter, No. 53, Roj'al Arch. 
He is independent politically, but leans to progressive Republicanism. 

FERD J. GRASSLE, son of Frederick and Susan Grassle, was born October 
23, 1863, in Holmes County, Ohio. He moved to Memphis, Missouri, with his pa- 
rents in 1868, remaining there a few years, then moving to a farm north of town. 
He attended the public school and the Gem City Business College, Quincy, Illinois, 
graduating in 1883. For six years he taught school in Scotland County, after which 



7)88 



The History of Adair County. 




Kcv. B. F. Joius, Kirksville 



Biographical. 589 

he went to Nebraska and took up a homestead, remaining; two years. After study- 
ing telegraphy at Janesville, Wisconsin, ' Mr. Grassle accepted a position with the 
Western Union Telegraph Company at Chicago, and was for one year night man- 
ager of the Palmer House t(>legraph office. He then came to this county, and was 
for a time station agent at Hurdland, Missouri for the O. K. railway. Giving up 
that position, he served as cashier in the Farmers' Bank of Hurdland for ten years. 
In August, 1901, he came to Kirksville, and went into the hardware business with 
his brother Albert F., the firm now being known as Grassle Bros. He was one of 
the organizers of the Kirksville Gas Company, serving as secretary. About three 
years later he bought the interests of J. E. Waddill, in the Kirksville Trust Com- 
pany, and was made president of the company. This presidency he had to gixc u)) 
later, on account of his other interests requiring his time and attention. H(> is still 
a member of the Board of Directors and a stockholder. 

Mr. Grassle was married September 15, 1892, to Rose J. Funk, daughter of 
Thomas W. and Rachel Funk. They have three children living, and two dead: 
Karl F., born June 11, 1893; Maurita, March 23, 1897; Pauline, October 15, 1900; 
twins, Florence Camille and Margaret Lucille, born December 31, 1907 (Margaret 
died April 20, 1908, Florence, May 12, 1908. 

F. J. Grassle is Democratic in politics, and belongs to the orders of A. F. and A. 
M., I. O. O. F., and Yeomen. 

ALBERT F. GRASSLE, a native of Holmes County, Ohio, was born Septem- 
ber 19, 1858, a son of Frederick and Susan Grassle. He was married December 15, 

1896, to Hattie Weaver, daughter of John and Nancy Weaver. Mrs. Grassle was 
born in Indiana, November 3, 1868. They have four children: Leonah B., born Feb- 
ruary 10, 1898; Albert E., October 31, 1900; Herbert L., November 29, 1902; Nan- 
cy S., January 14, 1908. 

Mr. Grassle moved to Memphis, Missouri, with his parents in 1868, where he 
lived till 1873, then moved to a farm near that city. When twenty years old he left 
the farm and went to work at the wagon-makers trade at Memphis. In 1885 he went 
to Nebraska and remained till 1887, then came to Kirksville and started a wagon 
factory. He was in this business with his brother and father till 1894. He spent 
a short time in California, and on his return was in the employ of the Wabash till 

1897. He then went into the grocery business. In 1901, however, he engaged in 
hardware business with his brother, Ferd J., in which business he still continues. 

He is a Democrat in politics, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and 
belongs to the Caldwell Chapter and Ely Commandery, Masonic Order; the K. of 
P.; M. W. A., and Yeoman lodges. 

A. H. LATHAM, the son of James and Mary A. Latham, was born in Harrison 
County, Ohio, January 25, 1857. In the same year he was brought to Adair County, 
Missouri, near where he now resides. Here he grew to manhood. He has always 
been engaged in farming. 

At present he owns sixteen hundred (1600) acres of land, and makes a specialty 
of raising cattle and hogs. 

In politics he is a Republican. 



590 



The History of Adatr County. 




o 



BlOCRAPHICAL. 



591 



Si 



ffi 




592 The History of Adair County. 

JOHN T. REYNOLDS (deceased) was born in Madison County, Illinois, Sep- 
tember 19, lS4o. His j)arents were George M. and Mary (Farrer) Reynolds. He 
was married October 8, 1876, to Mary E. Conkle, daughter of Peter and Margaret 
(Barnes) Conkle. Mrs. Reynolds was born in Clark County, Missouri, May 15, 
1855, coming to this county the same year. They had four children: Irving, born 
January 1, 1878; Maggie V., September 10, 1879, now Mrs. M. V. Plattz, of Bra- 
shear, Missouri; Ernest R., September 4, 1888; Lester F., November 22, 1891. 

Mr. Reynolds came to Adair County in 1859. He received hs education in the 
public schools, the State Normal School at Kirksville, and old Avalon College. He 
engaged in teaching for a ninnber of years, after which he devoted his time to farm- 
ing. He and his wife owned a farm of 325 acres, situated one and one-half miles 
south of Brashear. It is now the property of Mrs. Reynolds. The most of ths 
land was entered by Peter Conkle and has never changed title. In 1908 they quit 
farming and moved to Kirksville, where Mr. Reynolds lived till his death, December 
16, 1910. He was elected Representative of Adair County in 1890, serving one term. 

He enlisted in Company A, 39th Missouri Infantry when only seventeen years 
old, serving nine months, then honorably discharged on account of ill health. He 
was an Independent in politics, a member of the United Brethren church, and be- 
longed to the G. A. R. 

W. B. BURTON, a native of Burlington, Wisconsin, was born June 4, 1866, 
being a son of Henry J. and Elicta A. Burton. He was married February 22, 1888, 
to Anna Davison, daughter of John and Jennie Davison. They have two children: 
H. Byron, born December 28, 1888; Edna Verna, March 18, 1897. 

Mr. Burton came to Adair County with his parents in 1871, and has since lived 
and farmed in this county. He now owns 320 acres of land near Millard. He is 
a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian church. 

SAMUEL F. SHUMATE was born in Schuyler County, Missouri, September 
28, 1871. He was married October 20, 1894, to Hannah White, daughter of Wil- 
liam and Sarah J. (Sanders) White. They have six children: Stella, born August 
16, 1895; Verna, September 28, 1896; Fred, April 10, 1898; Velma, April 12, 1900; 
Jessie, December 12, 1902; Leon, February 4, 1905. All the children are living at 
home. 

Mr. Shumate moved to Adair County, near Connelsville, with his parents, Wil- 
liam and Agnes (Wellman) Shumate, when about five years old, where he attended 
the public school and lived till 1879. He then went to Kansas, spending about three 
years, then returned to Schuyler Countj^, Missouri, remaining there only one year. 
In 1884 he moved back to Adair County, west of Connelsville, where his father bought 
a farm. He lived with his father till about nineteen years old, then started out for 
himself. He worked at various occupations for a few years, spending one year in 
Colorado. Soon after returning to this county he took a course at the Kirksville 
Business College. When married ho went into the mercantile business at Lavonia, 
Schuyler County. In about a year he returned to Connelsville, working at the car- 
penters trade for a short tim(>. He went to work in a store which was sold a little 
later to W. E. HofT, at which time Mr. Shumate was made manager. A few months 
later he formed a partnership with N. B. Wellman and bought out the stores at Nov- 
inger and Connelsville. Soinc time after this Mr. Wellman sold his interest to Mr. 
Young. Mr. Shumate then bought Mr. Young's interest, later selling an interest 



Biographical. 



593 




J. T. Rpvnolds, deceased 



39 



594 



The History of Adair County. 




Residence ot V\ . li. liurton, near Millard 




licsuli'ncc ol' S. !■'. .Siiunialc, Coniiclsvilic 



BlOCillAPHICAL. 595 

to W. T. Brown, who is still his partner. They own a very large building and did 
business aggregating $30,000.00 a year. They also own an interest in the Connels- 
ville Supply Company Store. 

He is a member of the Methodist chureh, and belongs to the 1. O. O. F., K. of 
P. anil M. W. A. lodges. 

SAMUEL A. VAUGHN came to this county from Penn.sylvania in 1866. He 
was born in Mercer County, of that State, February 9, 1854, being a son of John 
and Harriett (Perrin) Vaughn. He was married April 29, 1880, to Malinda Pres- 
ton, daughter of Samuel and Rhoda (Phelps) Preston. They have two children 
living, one dead: Clarence E., born June 28, 1882; Ora A., born June 20, 1884; Les- 
ter A., died when only eight months old. 

Mr. Vaughn settled just north of Kirksville, upon coming to Adair County, 
Missouri, where he lived with his parents till about twenty years old, when he began 
making his own living. While at home he attended the public schools and took a 
course in the State Normal School. For several years he taught school and farmed. 
After his marriage in 1880 he moved to Kansas where he remained two years, then 
returned to this county. He has lived here since that time, and practiced farming. 
In 1894 he bought his present place, five miles northeast of Kirksville. He has 160 
acres, well improved, and a pretty home. He does a dairy business, handling thor- 
oughbred Jerseys. 

Samuel Vaughn is a Republican in politics and a member of the Methodist church. 

GEORGE W. WATSON was born near Brashear, Adair County, Missouri, 
June 24, 1853, a son of William and Elizabeth (Adams) Watson. He lived at home 
for a short time after his father's death, then when grown, in 1873, went to Saline 
County and from there came to Adair County, buying a farm five miles northeast 
of Kirksville. He has lived on that farm continuously since coming here. It con- 
sists of 152 acres, well improved. Forty acres are in Clay township and the others 
in Salt River township. He handles thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle, Poland-China 
hogs, fine horses, etc. 

Mr. Watson was married October 13, 1880, to Jennie Ward, daughter of Alfred 
and Eliza Ward. She was born April 17, 1863 and lived in Linn County, her parents 
being early settlers there. The,y had seven children, only three of whom are living: 
Claude A., born July 13, 1882, died January 16, 1906, killed by a train; Bernie L., 
October 15, 1884, lives at Los Angeles; Lottie E., July 30, 1886, died November 15, 
1891; Gertrude G., born February 29, 1888, now Mrs. Grover Wesher, of Edina, 
Missouri; Nelson D., December 28, 1889, died November 15, 1891; Percifal F., 
July 19, 1891, died October 11, 1892; Ward, September 2, 1893. 

He is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

JAMES J. THOMPSON was born in Macon County, Missouri, just across the 
line from Adair County, near the present city of Gifford, November 12, 1867. He 
was reared on the farm entered by his father, part of the land being in Adair County. 
His father came to this section from Ohio, in 1866. In 1885 Mr. Thompson built 
on the Adair County part of the farm, where he resided till his death. In 1900 he 
bought the old home farm. It consists of 190 acres. He was a breeder of Polled- 
Angus cattle, Duroc-Jersey hogs, fine horses, etc. 

On October 17, 1895, he was married to Lona Cole, daughter of Andrew and 
Hannah E. (Ricketts) Cole. Mrs. Thompson was born in Adair County, Walnut 



59<; 



The History of Adair County 




Residence of Samuel Andeixjii \';iuphn, o iiiilos northeast of Kirksvillo 




Residence of Geo. W . Watson, "> miles northeast of Kirksville 



BlOCiKAlMIICAL. 



oV7 




Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Th()iai)snii and children, near Clifford. 
(Mrs. Thompson died some time ago, and Mr. Thompson cUed sinee the .A.dair Count}- 

History went to press.) 



598 The Hlstory of Adair County. 

township, and died June 6, 1909. They had five children: James R., born July 
30, 189S; Adah L., November 24, 1901; Anna M., May 26, 1903; Lawrence, August 
20, 190.5; Lula M., January 28, 1909. One child died in infancy. 

Mr. Thomp.son w as a Republican, belonged to the Universalist church, and the 
I. O. (). F. and M. W. A. lodges. Mr. Thompson died after the beginning of the 
publication of this history. 

JOSEPH MARSHALL THOMPSON was reared on a farm in Southern In- 
diana. He was born in Washington County, February 10, 1851, being a son of Rob- 
ert and Martha A. Thompson. When fifteen years old he moved to Illinois and re- 
mained three years, then moved to Adair County, Missouri, settling about eight 
miles southeast of Kirksville, near where he now lives. He married and began 
farming for hmself when grown, and has been engaged in farming and stock raising 
all his life. His specialty is fine cattle. He now owns 360 acres of splentlid land. 
His land is well improved and he is up-to-date and progressive in his farming. 

He was married December 25, 1884, to Elvira C. Wise, daughter of Frank and 
Hannah Wise. They have seven children: Minnie, born October 17, 1885, now 
Mrs. Bert Patten; Bertha M., August 13, 1887, now Mrs. C. H. Paul: Frank M., 
September 14, 1889; Pearl E., July 6, 1893; Leonard, September 25, 1896; Lee, 
June 21, 1899; Ada Gertrude, April 7, 1902. 

Mr. Thompson belongs to the I. O. O. F. lodge, and all the family are m(>mbers 
of the Methodist church. 

JUDGE JACOB R. COOK, son of Thomas Bishop and Leah Cook, was born 
in Dearliorn Comity, Indiana, AprU 29, 1838. On July 2, 1865, he was married to 
Miss Catharine Rider, a daughter of Lewis and Tracy Rider. They have five chil- 
dren: William H., born September 15, 1868; Ida Bell, February 11, 1873; Sophia 
E., March 16, 1876; George Jacob, February 7, 1879; James Jay, September 10, 
1880. 

Judge Cook came with his father's family to Adair County, Missouri, in 1856, 
being eighteen years old. He entered land near Old Nineveh about July, 1859. The 
county employed him to cut a wagon road through the timber on the ridge, east of 
Stalil about six miles, connecting with the ]Milan and Kirksville road. He had nine- 
ty hands at work three days and cut the road thirty feet wide. 

In 1857 he commenced teaching school; taught first in a log house about two 
miles southeast of Stahl, in the woods. The house was on Nathan Lay's land. He 
taught, in all, twelve terms of school. 

On November 8, 1870, he was elected Judge of the County Court of Adair Coun- 
ty for a term of six years. On the fourteenth day of January, 1884, he was appointed 
postmaster at Prairie Bird, eleven miles southeast of Kirksville. In 1874 he was 
elected trustee for Wilson township, under township organization. 

In June, 1861, he was elected captain of a company of Home Guards at Shib- 
ley's Point, and served three months. On P>bruary 23, 1862, he enlisted in Com- 
pany B., 11th Regiment of the Missouri Cavalry, and served as company quarter- 
master for three years, being discharged at St. Louis, March 3, 1865. 

In 1873 he hauled logs that were hewn from two miles west of Old Nineveh to 
the farm where he now lives, and buill his jjrestMit house, the shingles being made from 
whiteoak taken from the same place. 

Judge Cook is a Republican, a meinl)er of the Methodist church, but has no 
lodge affiliations. 



BlOC.RAPHICAL. 



599 




Residonoo and Burn of J. M. Thumpson, near Bullion 



600 



The History of Adair County. 




Judco Jacob H. Cook 



BlOGRAl'HlCAL. 601 

WILLIAM F. FRANK, son of Gordon and Nancy E. Frank, was born in Schuy- 
ler County, Missouri, November 27, 1874. He was married August 4, 1909, to 
Bessie M. Coons. They have no children. 

Mr. Frank was educated in the public schools of Schuyler County, Missouri, 
and the Missouri State Normal School at KirksviHe. He taught school thirteen 
years in Schuyler and Adair Counties, Missouri. He was only fifteen years old when 
he began teaching, and taught one school continuously for eight years. He came 
to KirksviHe, Missouri, and entered law practice March, 1904. He read law while 
teaching school, later entering the law office of Smoot, Boj'd & Smoot, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in the Circuit Court at Memphis, Missouri, in 1903. He is now a 
member of the law firm of Weatherby & Frank. 

Mr. William Frank is a Republican. He served as j^olice judge of the city of 
KirksviHe from 1905 to 1907; served as city attorney from 1907 to 1909, and was 
re-elected to that office in 1909, and again re-elected in 1911. He belongs to the 
\A'oodman, Yeoman, Odd Fellow, INIason, Elk and K. of P. lodges. 

GLENN C. WEATHERBY was born in Utica, Missouri, January 9, 1S77. 
being a son of Ralph and Jennie Weatherby. He was married August 12, 1901, to 
Lucy Ellen Cox, daughter of Henrj' and Polly Cox. They have one child — Forest 
Cox, born May 12, 1903. 

Mr. Weatherby was educated in the public schools of Li\-ingston County, Mis- 
soiu-i, and the State Normal School at KirksviHe, Missouri. He taught in the pubhc 
schools of Livingston and Carroll Counties for six years, serving one year as princi- 
pal of the Dawn High School, Livingston County. He came to KirksviHe, Missouri, 
in the fall of 1901, and entered the offices of Campbell & Ellison, for the study of law. 
He was admitted to the bar at the May term of Adair County Circuit Court in 1902. 
Since that time he has been engaged in the practice of law in KirksviHe, being at 
present a member of the firm of Weatherby & Frank. This firm was organized in 
September, 190S. 

Glenn Weatherby was reared on a farm in Livingston County. He is a staunch 
Republican. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Adair County November S, 
1910. He is a member of the Woodmen, Yeomen, K. of P., and Elks (Past Exalted 
Ruler) lodges. 

WILLIAM S. MURPHY, a native of Taylor County, West Virginia, was born 
September 4, 185S, being a son of James G. and Jane (Rogers) ^lurphy. He was 
married April 12, 1878, to Mary E. Waldron, who died April 3, 1889. They had 
four children: Clarence W., born January 27, 1880; WiHiam L., January 3, 1883; 
Minnie E., November 23, 1884, now Mrs. C. N. Tolman; Ada E., March 21, 1887. 
His second wife was Lucy O. Gardner. They have five children: Jennie M., born 
May 6, 1891, now Mrs. F. M. Ownbey; Anna O., December 27, 1893; Lulu and Lena, 
twins, March 26, 1896; James, April 28, 1899. Mr. and ]\Irs. Murphy are also rais- 
ing three grandchildren: Robert, Chester and Randall Gleason. 

Mr. Murphy was born and reared in West Virginia, where he lived till November, 
1888, when he moved to KirksviHe, where he has lived continuously since. He is 
a carpenter and contractor, and owns and conducts a planing mill near the Wabash 
depot. His home is just outside the southwest city limits, where he owns ten acres 
of land and two dwellings. He also owns other residence property in the city. Mr. 
Murphy is a member of the Baptist church, a Democrat in ))olitics, and Ijelongs to 
the Maccabees and Modern Btotherhood fraternities. 



602 



The History of Adair County. 




« 



=a 



>> 

^ 



iB 



Biographical. 



603 




Residence of ^^^ S. Murphy, Kirk.sville 




Forrest L. Morrow, Novinger 



604 



The History of Adair County. 




BlOGRAPHR'AL. (305 

FORREST L. MORROW was born and reared on a farm near Kirksville, Mis- 
souri, living at home with his parents till sixteen years old. He then started out for 
himself. He engaged in mercantile business at Youngstown, Nefy and Loefflor at 
various times. He also spent a year in that business in Washington. On his re- 
turn he served as engineer at the Kirksville Water Works pumping station. In 
1907 he worked as outside man for the Novinger Record. At the time of his mar- 
riage he accepted a position as associate editor of the Kirksville Democrat, remaining 
there till October, 1910, then purchased the Novinger Record, of which he is now 
editor and proprietor. The paper is Independent in politics. 

Mr. Morrow was born September 25, 1887, being a son of Lewis A. and Susan 
C. Morrow. He was married April 24, 1910, to Eva Inbody, daughter of James T. 
and Clara Inbody. They have one child, Forrest Louis, Jr., born April 17, 1911. 
Mr. Morrow is a Democrat and belongs to several Fraternal Orders. 

E. O. JONES, a native of Linn County, Missouri, was born October 19, 1881, 
being a son of John M. and Frances M. (Davis) Jones. He was married Septem- 
ber 26, 1900, to Anna Nagel, daughter of George W. and Martha Nagel. They 
have two children: Robert Nagel, born May 1.5, 1907; John Ben, born October 
9, 1909. 

Mr. Jones' father attended the Kirksville Normal School, taught school awhile, 
and then entered the merchandise business in New Boston, a village in Linn County, 
Missouri, in which business he has remained ever since. 

Mr. Jones spent his early life attending the village school, doing some farm work 
and assisting his father in the store. After completing the common school he en- 
tered the law office of G. L. Joyce at Bucklin, Missouri. He read law one year, 
then came to Kirksville, where he and his wife attended the State Normal School. 
Mr. Jones taught school and attended school alternate years until 1906, when he was 
graduated from the Normal School. 

The next year he was elected principal of the Kirksville High School, serving 
two years. He was then elected superintendent of the public schools of Kirksville. 
He served till 1910, when he gave up his position to enter the law department of 
Missouri State University. 

He was a student in the University of W^isconsin during one session in 1908. 
In 1909 he was awarded a scholarship in American History in the State Normal 
School at Kirksville. 

Mr. Jones belongs to I. O. O. F., K. of P. and the Masons. He and his wife 
are both members of the Christian church. 

BENJAMIN ROBERTS was born in Washington County, Ohio, April 17, 1844, 
and son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Flowers) Roberts. He was married April 18, 
1869, to Alice M. Harris, daughter of William and Jane (McKinney) Harris. She 
was born in St. Louis, February 22, 1851. They had twelve children, nine of whom 
are living; James R., died in infancy; Elizabeth J., died September 27, 1875; Alask 
I., lives in Idaho; Andrew O., died October 5, 1877; Albert D., lives in Idaho; Ben- 
jamin F., also lives in Idaho; Develda E.; Amos R.; Charity M., now Mrs. Logan 
Dunham, of Idaho; Lucy E.; Harvey L.; Weaver R. 

Mr. Roberts moved with his parents to Clark County, Missouri, in 1851, where 
they remained till 1858, when they came to Adair County, and entered land. He 
lived with his parents till the breaking out of the Civil War, then joined Company 




a 




2q 




-a 
a 

d 
u 



Biographical. 607 

D., 11th Missouri Cavalry, and served six months. This regiment was then con- 
soUdated with the 2nd Missouri Cavalry, and he was made a member of Company 
M., serving for two and one-half years. He was at that time honorably discharged. 
He spent most of the time in Missouri and Arkansas. The last two years he was 
witl Col. McNeil; stationed at Macon at the time of the battle of Kirksville. His 
horse being crippled is all that prevented his being at the battle of Kirksville. After 
the war he returned to this county and has since engaged in farming. He also runs 
a grist and saw-mill on what is now the Halladay farm, his father owning an inter- 
est in the mill. He now owns a farm nine miles northeast of Kirksville, consisting 
of 147 acres. He is Republican in politics. 

Andrew Roberts, father of Benjamin, was born in Ohio, September 5, 1819, and 
came to Adair County, Missouri, in 1858. He died in this county on March 23, 
1S85. 

CHARLES C. ANDERSON was a native of Ohio, and was born at Zenia, in 
that state, May 16, 1861, being a son of John K. and Mary Anderson. He was mar- 
ried November 26, 1890, to Florence M. Campbell, a daughter of John H. and Mary 
Campbell. She was a member of one of the old-time families of the county, her 
father being one of the early settlers and one of the county's best known and most 
highly respected citizens. 

When a small boy Mr. Anderson moved with his parents to Lewis County, Mis- 
souri, where he was reared. He attended the public schools of that section, learned 
the carpenter's trade, also studying architecture and building, serving three years 
as an ap])rentice at Canton and La Grange. He then went into the carpenter and 
contracting business, and soon afterward moved to Adair Countj^ where he resided 
till his death. He continued that occupation after moving to Kirksville and achieved 
a great reputation as an architect. He also conducted a planing mill at Kirksville 
for a muuber of years and had one of the best equipped mills in this part of the state. 
He erected many buildings in Kirksville, which will remain as lasting monuments 
to his labor and ability. In 1887 and 1888 he traveled for Fairbanks, selling scales 
and heavy hardware. In connection with Mr. Menke, a stone mason of Quincy, 
he erected the Adair County Court House, con.sidered to be one of the best build- 
ings of the kind in the state. He also built the Dockery Hotel, the Journal building, 
also the residences of Dr. A.T. Still, former Mayor Selby, and scores of others. 

He died at his home in this city September 10, 1909, after a very brief illness. 
He was a public-spirited citizen and deservedly popular. 

He belonged to the Masonic and I. O. O. F. fraternities, and was also a member 
of the Modern Brotherhood. 

JOHN C. FUGATE, son of James T. and Laura Fugate, was born in Schuy- 
ler Countv, Missouri, March 14, 1883, and was reared on a farm in that section. 
He was educated in the country schools, and also attended the Queen City High 
School. In 1902 he moved from the farm to Queen City, where he studied law and 
was admitted to the bar in 1904. He then formed a partnership with his father 
for the practice of his profession, remaining in Queen Citytill 1907. They then 
moved to Novinger, where they have since lived and practiced. 

Mr. Fugate was married to Miss Carrie Hurd, of Queen City, in 1906. He is 
a Democrat in politics and takes a deep interest in political affairs. 



008 



The History of Adair County. 



ri: rlf fif ft! 




John Clarciu-c Futvute 'James T. Kugato 

Attorneys at N()vinu;(>r 



Biographical. 609 

JAMES T. FUGATE, son of Elbert M. and N. C. Filiate, was born in .Schuyler 
■County, Missouri, August 4, 1S59. He was married April 21, 1S83, to Laura W. Pay- 
ton, daufihter of Y. W. and Sallie Payton, also of Schuyler County, Missouri. They 
have two children: John C, born March 14, 1884, and Edith Florence, born January 
81, 1893. 

Mr. Fugate was reared on a farm, and educated in the public schools. He 
taught school in Schuyler County from 1878 until 1889. He was admitted to the 
practice of Law in 1904, and practiced in Schuyler County. In 1906 he moved to 
Adair County, and is at present located in Novinger, where he has served as City 
.\ttoniey since 1907. 

Mr. Fugate is a Democrat. He served as School Commissioner in Schuyler 
Comity, and was the nominee of the Democratic party of that county in 1906 for 
Prosecuting Attorney. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Masonic lodges. 

WILLIAM THOMAS BAIRD, banker, and one of the most prominent citi- 
zens of Kirksville, Missouri, was born in Carroll County, Kentucky, January 19 
lS3o, son of Barzilla Adams and Mary M. (Scanland) Baird. His father was born 
in Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky, in 1803, was a farmer, and a son of Thomas 
Baird, of North Carolina. The father of Thomas Baird was a native of Scotland, 
and in company with six brothers emigrated to the United States prior to the War of 
the Revolution. All settled in different parts of the country. 

W. T. Baird was reared on his father's farm and was recognized as a first-class 
hand in every kind of farm work, excelling in cradling wheat and sphtting rails, two 
vocations in the old husbandry that have passed awa3^ During the winter months 
he attended the district school. He taught school for a short time in Grant County, 
Kentucky: then in company with his bosom friend and teacher, W. P. Nason, he 
came to ^Missouri, and with the intention of passing through the state to Kansas, to 
make that his permanent home. Landing at La Grange he started west, but when 
he reached Kirksville, found the roads so nearly impassable that he abdndoned the 
journey there — a step which neither he nor Kirksville has ever had occasion to re- 
gret. He arrived in Kirksville March 21, 1857, and for some time engaged in teach- 
ing school, associated with Prof. Na.son, in Kirksville, who was County School Com- 
missioner. 

Mr. Baird married Martha C. Hannah, daughter of Matthew P. Hannah, Au- 
gust 24, 1S5S. Soon after he accepted a position as clerk for J. C. Thatcher at fif- 
teen dollars per month, and when his wages were raised to twenty dollars, thought 
he was doing fine. They have four children: Frank H., now a resident of Kirks- 
ville, Missouri (In 1880 he married Miss Helen T. Hunt, daughter of N. Hunt, 
of Macon, Missouri. After her death he married Mrs. Mary Ellen Rush, of Wash- 
ington, D. C); Ella, who died at the age of two years; Aggie Myrtle, who died when 
two months old; Alta Melone. Alta Melone was educated in Missouri Valley Col- 
lege, and graduated from the Academy and School of Music in Marshall. She was 
married to E. L. Belshe, of Chicago, in 1899. They have two sons and two daugh- 
ters. 

In 1859, when the Branch of the Bank of St. Louis was being organized, Judge 
B. G. Barrow said to W. T. Baird, "You better take one share of stock in the Bank, 
and you might get to be clerk." He said he had no money. Judge Barrow said 
it would only take $10.00 to secure some stock and then .S40.00 more at the time of 
opening the Bank. So as he just had $10.00 he took the stock, and then borrowed 



(HO 



The History of Adair County. 




l'.,-si<i(Mic(> of W. T. Bainl, Kirksvillc 



HlOCRAPHICAL. 611 

$50.00 from hi.s father in Kentucky, and he was elected clerk of the ]5ank, and this 
was the beginning of his banking career. 

The first Board of Directors were David A. Ely, W. P. Linder, M. P. Hannah, 
I. B. Dodson, M. G. Clem, John T. Smith, John Thomas, B. G. Barrow, and T. C. 
Wilson. Officers were D. A. Ely, President; W. P. Linder, Cashier; VV. T. Baird, 
Clerk, and B. G. Barrow, Attorney. President's salary, $.500; Cashier, $1,.500; 
Clerk, .1700; Attorney, .$300. The majority of the Dorectors borrowed the money 
from a bank in Palmyra to pay their stock, and when the bank opened for V)usiness, 
they liorrowed the money from their own bank and paid it back. The first public 
statement was published in the "Missouri Republican," now "St. Loui.s Republic," 
June 30, 1860, and showed capital $61,(336.00; circulation $120,000.00; deposits, 
$S,609.00; loans, $S1,. 533.00; cash, $109,664.00; liability of President and Direc- 
tors, .$.57,213.00. 

On the 6th day of August, 1S62, the day of the battle, they had about $78,000.00 
in cash in the little iron safe. The cashier was gone, and Mr. Baird was alone. The 
citizens were ordered out of town, and great was Mr. Baird's joy when he returned 
next day to find the money all safe and secure. Of all the parties connected with the 
organization officially, Mr. Baird is the only one now living. The bank was allowed 
under the State law to issue circulation bank notes in double the amount of the cap- 
ital. 

In 1859 Mr. Baird was employed to make out the tax books for Adair County, 
and the same fall, when a branch of the bank of St. Louis was organized here, he 
was made clerk, doing all the janitor work as well. He was appointed cashier of the 
bank in 1863, and continued to hold that position until the bank closed up its busi- 
ness in compliance with an act of the legislature. In 1866 he took charge of the bank 
of Stebbins and Porter, and a year later, in partnership with S. Reed, bought out 
the bank. After a year his partner disposed of his interest to Melone and Epper- 
son, and the name of the bank was changed to Baird, Melone & Company, W. T. 
Baird, cashier. 

It commanded the public confidence and for ten years did an extensive busi- 
ness, passing safely through the crisis of 1873, and exhibiting proofs of prudent man- 
agement, which increased its hold on the pubhc. In 1878 Mr. Baird bought out the 
interests of the partners, and conducted the business under the name of the Ex- 
change Bank of W. T. Baird. In 1882 he organized the First National Bank of 
Kirksville, he being cashier, manager and principal owner. In 1901 the Baird Na- 
tional Bank of Kirksville, successor to the First National Bank, and First Interna- 
tional, was organized under the National Bank act, with capital stock of $65,000.00, 
and he became connected with it in the same relation as above mentioned. But 
later he became President of the Baird National, and his son Frank Baird was made 
Cashier. After forty-seven years of successful service in the banking business, from 
janitor to President, he sold out and retired from the business of banking. 

He has served in many public offices in Kirksville, having been a member of the 
B )ar(l of Education of the Kirksville public schools, treasurer of the State Normal 
School twenty-five years, for four years acting county treasurer of Adair County, 
and treasurer of the city. He was acting School Commissioner of Adair County 
one year during Mr. Nason's absence. Mr. Baird is a member of the Presbyterian 
church; is treasurer of the Synod of Missouri; was a member of the Board of Pub- 
lication of the Cumberland Presbyterian church for a munber of years; superintend- 
ent of the Sunday School for forty-five years, up to the time of the union of the two 



612 



The History of Adair County. 




Mr. W. T. Bainl 



BlOGUAPHICAL. 



613 




614 The History of Adair County. 

Presbyterian churches in Kirksville, in 1907; clerk and treasurer of the church for 
forty-four years; Huhnj; Elder since 1866; is a life member of the American Bible 
Society; and was Moderator of the Synod of Missouri Cumberland Presbyterian 
church, at the time of the union of the two churches, and is Moderator of the Kirks- 
ville Presbytery of the Presbyterian church at the present time. He has been a mem- 
ber of the General Assembly of his church several times. He is President of the Board 
of Trustees of Missouri Valley College, chairman of the Finance Committee in charge 
of Endov.-ment funds, and has contributed $16,000.00 to that college. After his 
donation of the first $10,000.00 to the college he was requested, by action of the Board 
of Trustees, to nominate one of the chairs. In compliance with this request, he gave 
the name of Baird-Mitchell to the chair of Greek, associating with himself in that 
permanent honor, Rev. J. B. Mitchell, D. D., the faithful pastor under whose minis- 
trations he sat for eighteen years. A literary society in the Mis.souri Valley College 
bears the name "Bairdean" in honor of him. 

Mr. Baird is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of the Kirksville Lodge, 
No. lOfi, A. F. and A. M. 

JUDGE AARON P. HOPSON was born in Adair County, near Nind. July 2, 
1867, a son of Carey and Rebecca (Coleman) Hopson. He married Elizabeth Hoag, 
November 17, 1887. She is a daughter of Francis and Rebecca (Swigert) Hoag. 
They have one child — Blanche A., born January 24, 1891, now wife of Oral Low- 
rance. 

Mr. Hopson lived with his parents on the farm in the southwest part of the 
county till seventeen years old. His father died at that time, and he moved to Kirk.s- 
ville and attended the Kirksville Business College. The next year he returned to 
the farm. About one year later he went into the mercantile business at Nind and 
was also postmaster at that place. He sold the store, however, and returned to the 
farm, then to Colorado, where he remained a year. When he returned from there 
he went into the implement business at Kirksville. This business he sold in 1908, 
and has since been engaged in farming. At present he also conducts a store at Sub- 
lette, and has charge of the post office there. His farm consists of 120 acres, seven 
miles northeast of Kirksville, and is managed by his son-in-law. In the fall elec- 
tion of 1910 he was elected County .ludge at Large. He is a Democrat, and a mem- 
ber of the Christian church. 

JAMES J. WELLS was born and reared on a farm near Conner, Kansas. He 
attended the public school and took a course at Spalding's Commercial College at 
Kansas City, graduating in 1S90. He was then employed by the C. M. <fe St. P. 
railway as tel('gra))h operator, then went into the employ of the Missouri Pacific 
railway as .station agent. He was later made chief rate clerk at the Kansas City 
office. In April, 19(K^, he entered the employ of the i}. O. & K. C. as agent at Kirks- 
\ill(', where he remained a sliort time, then was transferred to Novinger. He now 
has the agency for both the (^ (). & K. C. and the I. & St. L. at that ])l:ice. On Feb- 
ruary IT), 1911, he was given charge of the yards at Novinger, in adilitioii to tlic local 
agency. 

Mr. Wells was born September IS, 1872, being a son of Francis M. and Mary 
Wells. He was married November S, 1896, to Susie Holt, daughter of Philip G. 
and Belle Holt, of Holt. Missouri. They have no children. 

Besides his railroad position Mr. Wells is a large stockholder and I're.sident 
of the Union Bank at Novinger, is President of the Novinger Building and Loan 



Biographical. 



(ilf) 




iMr. J. .1. Wells, Novinger 



616 



The History of Adair County. 




'^ 



Biographical, 



017 





*^ 






1' 








^ 


'4^ 


1 'i^'^iO 




m 


4 




liT5?»^^^'=^B 



Residence of Mrs. M. M. Currence, 6 miles northeast of Kirksville 




8ceiie at the home of Sylvester Zentz, (i miles northwest of (iibhs 



GIS The History of Adaik County. 

Association, also interested in other business enterprises. He is a Democrat, and 
served two years as a member of the City Council at Novinger. J. J. Wells is affil- 
iated with the Masonic, K. of P. and Yoemen lodges, and a devoted member of the 
BaptLst church. 

BENJAMIN CURRENGE, born February 16, 1834, was a native of Virginia, 
where he lived till ten years old, when he moved with his patents to Seneca County, 
Ohio. When twenty-one years of age he left Seneca County and spent three years 
in Kansas, after which he sold out, going to Colorado, from there to Iowa and other 
states. He finally came to Adair County in 1868, farming here in this county till 
his death, June 11, 1890. 

While in Iowa, Mr. Currence met Miss Margaret M. Schultz, a daughter of 
John J. and Dora E. (Wallmon) Schultz, whom he married, December 31, 1863. 
They had four children: Frank H., born December 17, 1864, started for Alaska 
ten years ago and has not been heard from since April 16, 1900. He is supposed 
to be dead. John W., the second son, was born March 6, 1868; he lives in Califor- 
nia. Bony C, born April 5, 1873, lives in Tiffin, Ohio; Benfamin E., born Octo- 
ber 17, 1879, lives at Denver, Colorado. 

Mrs. Currence was born in Hilliccan, Felda County, Germany, Februar\- 27, 
1847. She came to America with her parents in 1848, and lived in Iowa, meeting her 
husband near Oskaloosa, where they were married. Since her husband's death she 
has spent her time on the farm, with the exception of five years, which she spent 
partly in traveling and partly in Kirksville. The farm she owns consists of 140 
acres, six miles northeast of Kirksville. The farm is well improved. Mrs. Cur- 
rence has a beautiful dwelling. 

SYLVESTER ZENTZ was born in Macon County, Missouri. January 18, 
1881, being a son of Ralph and Barbara PI Zentz. He was married March 24, 1901, 
to Ivula Corbin, daughter of Jesse W. and Maria Ellen Mitten. Mrs. Zenta was 
the widow of Benton Corbin, her maiden name being Mitten. They have three chil- 
dren: Mary Ellen, born February 16, 1902; William Ralph, December 26, 1903; 
Reo Vester, February 4, 1909. Mrs. Zentz was born in .\dair County, Mi.ssouri, 
March 30, 1878. 

Mr. Zentz has a farm of eighty acres, situated six miles northwest of Gibbs. 
He engages in ganeral fanning and stock raising. He has always been a farmer. 
Mr. Zentz is a member of the United Brethren church, the M. 'W . \. fraternity, and 
is a Repul)lican in politics. 

H. B. ROSS was born in Illinois, May 9, 1861, being a son of Erastus M. and 
Julia R. Ross. He was married January 8, 1896, to Addie Mills, daughter of Charles 
R. and Lucy A. Mills. They liave one child — Leslie .Mills Ross, born Jainiary 14, 
190.0. 

Mr. Ross was reared on a farm in Illinois, and attiuuled the public scliool. He 
brought his family to Adair County, Missouri, December 24, 1908, and has since made 
his home here. His farm consists of eighty acres, situated near Gibbs. He does 
general farming and stock raising. 

H. B. Ro.ss is a Democrat, a member of tlic Christian ciiurfh, and belongs to 
the ordc^r of Knights of Pythias. 



BlOGKAPHICAli. 619 

MADISON L. FERGUSON, a native of Indiana, was born Novonihcr (i, 1852, 
a son of John and Nancy (Amlerson) Fcrffuson. Ho moved to Iowa witli his ])arents 
when small, and lived there till 1SS<S, when he moved to this county with his family. 
He bought a farm ten anil one-half miles northeast of Kirksville. It consists of eighty 
acres of well improved land. Here he has lived continuously. He was in the mer- 
cantile business at Clay foiu- years, and now runs a store on his farm. 

Mr. Ferguson takes a deep interest in i>ublie affairs, and lectures over the coun- 
try on sociahsm. 

He was married to Mary A. Drake, March 1, 1S74, a daughter of A. J. and i.u- 
cinda Drake. They have seven children: Clarence D., born February 20, l<S7o; 
Frederick H., January 21, 1876; Wilham J., born April 27, 1879; Robert E., May 
22, 1888; Harry R., November 22, 1887; Cecil R., January 27, 1891; Paul P^thridge, 
July 14, 1898. William J. died January 10, 1894. Mrs. fVrguson is a native of 
Adair County and was born August 27, 1854. Her father was one of the earh set- 
tlers of the county, coming here from Ohio in 1850. 

BYRON BRASSFIELD was born in Schuyler County, Missouri, September 
4, 1872. His parents were Francis Marion and Fannie Jane Brassfield. He was 
married to Morgia Slauson November 12, 1899. Mrs. Brassfield is a daughter of 
Daniel Hallock and Julia Amelia Slauson. They have no children in the family. 
Mr. Brassfield came to Adair County, Missouri, in 1906, and owns a house and two 
lots in the town of Willmathsville, Missouri. 

He is a Democrat in politics and a Methodist in religion. 

L. M. WADDILL was born in Adair County, Missouri, April 16, 1870. He is 
a son of Jonathan ^\'esley Waddill. He was married June 13, 1894, to Mary Cor- 
nell, (hxughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Cornell. They have three children: Letha, 
born October 25, 1903; Leta, October 25, 1903; Myron, February 20, 1906. 

Mr. Waddill owns a farm of eighty acres, situated five miles northwest of Bra- 
shear. He does general farming and stock raising. In politics he is a Republican. 
He has been a farmer all his life and belongs to one of the old pioneer families. 

CHARLES F. STEINER was born at Corydon, Iowa, August 31, 1884, being 
a son of Clarence and Maggie Steiner. He was married Se])tember 7, 1904, to Jessie 
Fulton, daughter of Abraham and Cordelia Fulton. 

Mr. Steiner came to Adair County in January, 1894. He is now a leading baker 
of Kirksville, having headquarters on F^ast Harrison Street, just east of the public 
.square. He has been in that business there since 1902. He owns city property 
and property in Oklahoma. Mr. Steiner is a member of the Methodist church, 
and belongs to the Odd Fellows, the K. of P. and Yeoman fraternities. He is a Dem- 
ocrat in politics. 

FOREST H. RATLIFF was born in Adair County, Missouri, October 24, 1879, 
being a son of David C. and Nora Ratliff. He was married December 23, 1903, 
to Myrtle Vanwey, daughter of John and Nancy Vanwey. They have four chil- 
dren: Roland H., born November 6, 1904; May, December 26, 1906; Roma, June 
10, 1908; David, bom January 15, 1911. 

Mr. Rathff owns a farm of forty acres, situated eight miles northeast of Kirk.s- 
ville. He does general farming and stock raising. He is a Repubhcan in politics, 
a member of the ]\Iethodist Episcopal church and the I. O. O. F. lodge. 



620 



The History of Adair County, 




Biographical 



621 




622 



The History of Adair County. 




o 



Biographical. 623 

J. M. TRUE i.s a native of Clark County, Indiana, born January 14, 1850. Ho 
is a son of .John and Kazillah True. He owns a farm of 1.50 acre.s, .situated one and 
one-half miles east of Novinger. He does general farminfi- and stock raising. Com- 
ing to Adair County, Missovn-i, in 1852, h(> has lived and farmed here sinee that time. 
He is a Democrat in politics. He is one of the old pioneers of the county and one of 
its best known men. 

DAVIS W. BEGOLE was born in Chelsea, .Michigan, August 6, 1842. His 
parents were William A. and Abigail (Nowland) Begole. He was married April 
30, 1S67, to Lydia Staniford, who died May 6, 1888. They had seven children: 
Alic(\ now the wife of T. E. Elmore, born April 18, 1868; William A., June 1, 1871; 
John W., July 3, 1874; Charlie, December 27, 1875; George D., May 29, 1877; 
Minnie, November 9, 1883, now the wife of John Elmore; Lester A., August 7, 1886. 
Mr. Begole's second wife was Maxie B. Clemison, to whom he was married April 
3, 1889. They have one child— Ray, born February 9, 1890. 

Mr. Begole was born and reared in Michigan. Coming to Adair County in 
1866, he settled on a farm one mile west of Gibbs, which he still owns. In 1908 he 
leased his farm and retired from active farming, moving to Gibbs, where he now re- 
sides. He is president of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, a position which 
he has held for the past ten years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, South and the Masonic fraternity. 

HENRY FRANCIS MILLAN was born in Palmyra, Mis.souri, November 10, 
1842. His parents moved to Schuyler County, Missouri, in the same year. The 
family lived on a farm until 1849, when they moved to Canton, Missouri. He at- 
tended the public and private schools and the Methodist Seminary in Canton. In 
the spring of 1862 the family moved to Chariton in liUcas County, Iowa, where he 
studied law with the Honorable Theodore M. Stuart, and was admitted to the bar 
May 16, 1865. After his admission to the bar he first located in Osceola, Iowa, but 
soon determined to return to and locate in his native state. He came to Kirksvillc 
November 1, 1865, where he has resided and practiced his chosen profession ever 
since. He was married to Lizzie B. Brewington, daughter of Benjamin and Martha 
Brewington, November 17, 1869. They had four children, three of whom are living: 
Mattie M., now wife of Dr. Charles W. Hartupee, at Red Wing, Minnesota; Hallie 
F., who resides with her father, and Carrie F., wife of Arthur D. Baum, of Kirks- 
villc, Missouri. Mrs. Millan died on the 28th day of August, 1903. 

Mr. Millan is a Republican in politics. 

CHARLES A. HAMILTON, son of Henry S. and Margaret Hamilton, was 
born in Kno.x County, Missouri, January 1, 1861. He has five children by his first 
marriage: Ada, born November 5, 1889, now Mrs. Harvey Swango, of Quincy, 
Illinois; H. Clifford, born May 30, 1891; Edith H., May 29, 1893; Grace, January 
25, 1895; Mildred, October 8, 1902. He was married to Maggie Englehart, July 
21, 1909. 

Mr. Hamilton was reared on a farm in Knox County ; attended the public school 
and Oak I^^awn College, at Novelty; taught school and farmed in that county till 
1893: then came to Kirksville. He engaged in the Building and Loan Association 
and insurance business. He served as postmaster of Kirksville from October 1, 
1897, till March 1, 1901. Since going out of the post office, he has been engaged in 
real estate, loan and insurance business at Kirksville. 



G24 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 



625 



« 




626 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 627 

E. C. CALLISON, M. D., a native of Adair County, was born on a farm near 
Kirksvillc, Missouri, April 5, 1806. He is a son of James W. and Rebecca (Sallade) 
Callison, and a member of one of the oldest families in this part of the state, his fa- 
ther being the first white boy born in the city of Kirksville. Dr. Callison was reared 
on a farm and attended the public schools, later taking a scientific course in the State 
Normal School. He also took a course in the old Kirksville Mercantile College. 
He taught school five years, reading medicine during vacations. At the end of that 
time he entered the medical department of the University of Louisville, Kentucky, 
where he remained two years. He then attended the Kentucky School of Medi- 
cine. Graduating in 1889, he entered the general practice, and for the past six years 
has been located at Kirksville. 

He is a member of the American Medical Association, the State Association, 
president of the North Missouri Association, a member of the Tri-State Associa- 
tion, and ex-president of the County Association. He is also a member of the local 
board of pension examiners, and local registrar for vital statistics. He is a member 
of the auxiliary committee for legislation in both-Missouri and American Associations. 

T. E. SUBLETTE was born in St. Louis County, Missouri, being a son of Peter 
Jackson and Sarah (Russell) Sublette. He was married April 25, 1893, to Kate 
Florence Funk, daughter of William and Sarah Funk. They have four children: 
Sarah Agnes, born March 9, 1896; Florence Maud, May 25, 1S97; Eleanor Louise, 
^Larch 17, 1901; Mary, January 14, 1905. 

Mr. Sublette has been editor and publisher of the Weekly Graphic since June 
22, 1883. He was educated in the common schools and the First District Normal 
School, at Kirksville, being a graduate of the last named institution. He also took 
a post-graduate course at the Normal School. He is a Republican, a member of 
the Christian church, and belongs to the Masonic order. 

CHARLES E. MURRELL, son of Samuel and Alice Murrell, was born in Schuy- 
ler County, Missouri, May 24, 1875. He was married November 25, 1899, to Ber- 
tha E. Mitchell, daughter of Dr. W. F. and Elizabeth Mitchell, of Lancaster, Mis- 
souri. They have three children: William Francis, born February 27, 1901; Na- 
talie, born March 2, 1903; Charles E. Murrell, Jr., April 8, 1910. 

Mr. Murrell was educated in the public schools, the State Normal School at 
Kirksville, and the Missouri State University. He graduated from the law depart- 
ment of the university in June, 1899, locating at Kirksville, Missouri, in March, 
1901, for the practice of his profession. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member 
of the M. W. A., B. P. O. E. and Masons. 

JOHN W. WADDILL is a native of Adair County, Missouri, born October 19, 
1866, a son of Robert S. and Margaret Waddill. He was married August 10, 1886, 
to Emilia Cornell, daughter of Sebastian and Maggie Cornell. They have one 
child— Glen B., born July 13, 1897. One child, Bes.sie L., born Augu.st 7, 1888, died 
September 2, 1889. 

John Watldill belongs to one of the oldest families of the county, and is one of 
the best known horsemen in North Missouri. His farm is situated five miles north- 
west of Brashear and consists of 160 acres. He raises pure-bred draft horses, pure- 
bred coach horses, owning what is known as the Pioneer Stock Farm. His horses 
are registered, and he is one of the best known breeders in the state. 

Mr. Waddill is a member of the Methodist church. He is a Repubhcan in })olitics. 



628 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 



629 



p 




630 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 631 

CHARLES G. GARDNER was born at Hill, New Hampshiro, February 28, 
1866, a son of Christopher and Susan B. Gardner. He was married December 30, 
1891, to Jennie Gilpatrick, a daughter of Henry C. and Mary J. Gilpatrick. They 
have five children: Marion F., born October 30, 1892; Henry C., September 30, 
1894; Helen A., August 6, 1S9S; Charles F., Sei)teniber 1, 1900; Ruth F., February 
2, 190.5. 

He was reared in New Hampshire, attending the public school and Dartmouth 
College, from which he graduated in June, 1887, taking the degree of A. B. and A. 
M. At the date mentioned he moved to Nebraska, remaining there till 1902, when 
he came to Kirksville where he has since resided and engaged in the farm loan busi- 
ness, doing as large a business, perhaps, in that line as any firm in North Missouri. 

Mr. Gardner takes a deep interest in public affairs and served two years on the 
city council. He is a member of the Kirksville Lodge, No. 105, A. F. and A. M., 
past master of the lodge; member of Caldwell Chapter, No. 53, and one of the most 
prominent and enthusiastic workers in the local lodge. His work as master of the 
Blue Lodge was so satisfactory that he was presented with a handsome gold medal 
at the time of his retirement from office. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W. 
fraternity. He is a Republican in i)olitics and a very devoted member of the Pres- 
byterian church. 

AUGUST GEHRKE (deceased) was born in Prussia, Germany, November 
23, 1826. He was a weaver, learning the trade in Germany when a small boy. He 
came to America in 1877, and later came to Adair County, Missouri, where he lived 
rill his death, January 5, 1904. He was engaged in farming continuously and owned 
a farm of 100 acres, four miles east of Kirks^■ille. Since his death his son Edward 
and his widow have managed the old home place. 

He was married July 17, 1863, to Augusta Dominka. They had ten children: 
Gottheb, born in 1864, died when a small child; Carl, May 7, 1866; Wilhelmina, 
August 26, 1868; Augusta, February 20, 1870, died at the age of ninteeen; Ferdi- 
nand, February 7, 1872, died when four years old; Marie, February 14, 1874, died 
at two years of age; Edward, May 27, 1878, lives at home; Emma, September 8, 
1880; Clara, April 15, 1886; Earl D., October 12, 1888. 

Mr. Gehrke was one of the most substantial farmers of the county and a well- 
known citizen. He was a Republican in politics. 

CARL BACHMAN is a native of tliis county, born March 15, 1871, a son of 
Solomon and Angeline J. Bachman. He attended the pubhc school and took a 
course in a business college. He followed farming till March, 1909, when he and 
others bought out the general merchandise business of E. E. Price at Stahl. The 
firm is known as the Stahl Mercantile Company, and is managed by Mr. Bachman 
and T. S. Hillman, who at present own all the stock. Mr. Bachman also owns a 
farm of forty acres, about two miles northwest of Stahl. It is valuable coal land. 

Mr. Bachman was united in marriage May 11, 1893, to Mary E. Rowe, daugh- 
ter of John F. and MiUie Rowe. They have four children hving, and one dead: 
Laura Leona, born March 30, 1894; Hazel L., October 18, 1899; Erma E., Septem- 
ber 19, 1903; Opal, October 11, 1908; Deletha P., died in infancy. 

Mr. Bachman is a Democrat, and bplong>j to the M. W. .V., I. O. O. F. P^ncamp- 
raent, and Rebekah lodges. 



632 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 



033 



:' ' ' ''-''$■ 


ms^M^wm^m^'^nsm 


WK^^^BK^Bl^Sm^SB^M^ 







Residence of Mrs. Autjust Gherke, 4 miles east of Kirksvillc 




Residence of Colonel Vawter, Brashear 



634 The History of Adair County. 

COLONEL VAWTER, a native of Lincoln County, Missouri, was born January 
26, 1867, being a son of William and Matilda Vawter. He was married June 7, 
LS96, to Ida M. llahe, daughter of John and Rebecca Rahe. They have one child 
— Emil Rahe Vawter, born October 14, 1898. 

When only a few months old, Mr. Vawter moved with his parents to Shelby 
County, Missouri, later to Kansas where they remained two years. They then came 
to Adair County, settling here in 1899, where Mr. Vawter has since lived. He is 
engaged in the blacksmith and wagon-making business at Brashear, and has followed 
that occupation continuously since grown. 

Mr. Vawter is a member of one of the oldest families in the United States and 
England, many of them being prominent in public life and the commercial world. 
A history of the Vawter family, running back to 1016, has been placed with the Mis- 
souri State Historical Society. 

He is a member of the Christian church, the Masonic, Odd Fellow and Mod- 
ern Brotherhood of America fraternities, and the Republican party. 

JOHN SCHOOLING GASHWILER, M. D., son of John Samuel and Mary 
Louise (Harris) Gashwiler, was born at Sweet Springs, Missouri, July 24, 1878. His 
early education was gained in private schools and the Central High School in Kan- 
sas City, Missouri. He entered the Medico-Surgical College of Kansas City, Mis- 
souri, now a part of the University of Kansas, in 1897, graduating in 1900, with the 
degree of Doctor of Medicine. He spent an interneship in the Kansas City General 
Hospital anil in the St. George Hospital. He located in Novinger, Aflair County, 
Missouri, in the fall of 1900, for the practice of his profession. 

Dr. Gashwiler was married October 1.5, 1902, to Maude Ellen Novinger, daugh- 
ter of Hiram and Sarah (Niece) Novinger. They have three children: Sarah Lou- 
ise, born November 6, 1903; Virginia Elizabeth, April 15, 1906; John Hiram, Oc- 
tober 18, 1908. 

Dr. Gashwiler is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to the Shrine. Chap- 
ter, Commandery, etc. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of P., M. W. A. 
and A. O. U. W. lodges. He served for six years as city physician of Novinger, and 
a like period as local surgeon for the O. K. railway. He is ex-president of the Adair 
County Medical Association, vice-president of the Northeast Missouri Medical 
Association. He and his family are members of the Baptist church. 

JOHN H. HEDIGER, son of John and Mary J. Hediger, was born .\pril 28, 
1880, ten miles west of Youngstown, Adair County. He was united in marriage 
April 29, 1906, to Ella A. Hall, daughter of Campbell and Jane Hall. The parents 
of Mrs. Hediger belong to one of the oldest families of the county. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hediger have one child — Louetta J., born August 12, 1908. 

Mr. Hediger was born and reared on the old Hediger homestead, in the southwest 
part of the county. He lived there till fifteen years old, then moved with his pa- 
rents near Nefy. \\'hen grown he went to Montana for a short time. On his re- 
turn he farmed till 1908, when he became mail carrier of Route one, out of Youngs- 
town. He gave up that position in 1909, and went into the mercantile business 
at Youngstown. On May 2.3, 1910, he was appointed postmaster of Youngstown, 
and still conducts the store and post office there. While engaged in farming he 
also ran a thresher, and is said to l)e the first man in I lie county to use a gasoline 
engine for that sort of work. 



Biographical. 



635 




John Schooling Gashwiler, M. D., Novinger 



636 The History of Adair Coun'iy. 

JOHN T. RATLIFF is a native of Adair County, Missouri, born September 
25, 1876. His father, D. C. Ratliff, was born at Plymouth, Schuyler County, Illi- 
nois, in 1835; lived several years at Burlington, Iowa, later living four years in Cali- 
fornia, coming to Aflair County in 1865; he bought a 200-acre homestead, where 
he lived thirty-eight years. Here John T. Ratliflf was born. His mother was born 
at Charleston, Coles County, Illinois, and came to Adair County in 1856. 

Mr. Ratliff has the distinction of owning and occupying the home site of the old 
homestead where he was born, which is a well-equipped and one of the most pro- 
ductive farms in Clay township. It is situated eight miles northeast of Kirksville. 
He is greatly interested in modern methods of farming and pure-bred live stock, 
making a specialty of sheep and hogs. He attended the Kirksville Normal two years 
in 1895 and 1896; afterwards traveled one and one-half years for a Chicago business 
house; later, during the Spanish- American War, he served three j^ears, two years 
in the Philippines, participating in the Luzon campaign, and later in General Smith's 
memorable campaign on the Island of Samoa, receiving personal mention by Gen- 
eral Smith for service rendered at that time. 

Mr. Ratliff is a Republican in politics, and has belonged to the I. O. O. F. lodge 
eleven years. 

He was united in marriage September 23, 1903, to Mamie E. Corner, younge.st 
daughter of Albert and Mary J. Corner. They have four children: Roscoe R., 
born September 7, 1904; Kenneth L., February 23, 1906; John T., Jr., March 4, 
1908; Norman L., February 23, 1910. 

JAMES O. BAILEY, a native of Knox County, Missouri, born January 22, 
1858, is a son of James and Nanc.y (Fretz) Bailey. He was married January 22, 
1879, to Ella Davis, daughter of Seth L. and Ellen (Bartlett) Davis. They have 
four children: Osborn L., born November 15, 1S79; James Guy, August 20, 1883: 
Jessie E., July 3, 1886; Leonard, October 12, 1890. 

When James O. Bailey was about one year old his father died, and the family 
moved to Indiana, where they lived about four years. His mother then married 
and they moved back to Missouri, lived near Tipton a few years, then came to Adair 
Covmty. Mr. Bailey left home when only fourteen years old. He worked at various 
occupations, finally going to Clark County, Iowa, where he met the girl whom he 
married. After their marriage he went to farming, remaining in Iowa fifteen j'ears, 
part of that time conducting a flouring mill, at Woodburn, Iowa. He then moved 
to Douglas County, Missouri, where he lived until 1896. He then came to Adair 
County, and soon after purchased the farm where he now resides. It consists of 
ninety-five acres, two miles north of Kirksville. He conducted a dairy for many 
years, and still raises thoroughbred Jersey cattle. 

HOMER V. PROPST was born on a farm, four and one-half miles east of Kirks- 
ville, November 16, 1S85. He is a son of John and Belle (Voorhies) Propst. He 
wa.s married December 1, 1909, to Carrie Heyd, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth 
Heyd. They have one child, Dorothy Lucile, born February 18, 1911. 

Homer Propst was educated in the public school and took a course in the State 
Normal School. He lived with his parents until his marriage, when his parents moved 
to Kirksville, leaving the farm in his charge. It consists of 420 acres, well stocked 
and improved. It is considered to be one of the finest farms in the county. 



Biographical 



637 



35 




638 



Tpie History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 



G39 



C3 




640 The History of Adair County. 

JOHN R. RILEY was born August 15, 1860, in Van Buron County, Iowa, 
being a son of Sylvester and Mary Riley. He was united in marriage December 
25, 1890, to Nettie Crawford, daughter of Daniel and Velma Crawford. They have 
three children: Victor D., born January 29, 1892; Frank M., May 31, 1894; Mary 
Velma, March 10. 1902. 

Mr. Riley's parents moved to Adair County, Missouri, in 1864. He has lived 
here since that time. The farm which he owns consists of 240 acres, situated three 
and one-half miles west of Brashear. He raises Shorthorn cattle, Shropshire sheep, 
Black Langshan and Rhode Island Red chickens. 

Mr. Riley is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, being Past Grand in Lodge No. 
522, at Brashear. When he retired from office, he was presented with a fine Past 
Grand collar as a mark of esteem. He is a prominent farmer, an enthusiastic Dem- 
ocrat, and when a candidate for County Judge polled a large number of votes. 

ALLEN L. BILLINGS, a native of Iowa, was born August 22, 1871, a son of 
Lewis and Emily Billings. He was married October 11, 1899, to Jessie Vandiver, 
of Knox County, Missouri. They have one child — Dora Alean, born July 7, 1900. 
Mrs. Billings is a daughter of Jasper and Fleckner Vandiver. Mr. Billings came with 
his parents to Adair Count}', Missouri, in 1879, and lived on a farm adjoining the one 
he now owns until he was grown, attending the public schools at Wilsontown and as- 
sisting on the farm. After his marriage he moved to his present farm, which he pur- 
chased shortly before. The farm consists of 120 acres, four and one-half miles south- 
east of Gibbs. He also owns 190 acres, one mile east of his home place, which makes 
310 acres in all. He has a very pretty home and his farm is well improved. 

He is a Democrat, a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, and the Baptist chiu-ch. 
His wife is a member of the Christian church. 

JAMES W. WADDILL is a native of Adair County, Missouri, born April 18, 
1866. He is a son of Jonathan and Isabel Waddill. He was married March 14, 
1894, to Ada Murfin, daughter of John and Matilda Murfin. They have three chil- 
dren: Opal, born February 10, 1896; Mabel, August 8, 1897; Dale, August 24, 
1904. 

Mr. Waddill owns a farm of seventy-eight acres, situated in section 1, town- 
ship 62, range 14. He is a member of the Methodist church, the M. W. A. frater- 
nity, and is a Republican in politics. 

WILLIAM T. MUSSON, son of Richard and Rebecca Mu.sson, was born in 
Morgan County, Illinois, June 12, 1836. He was married November 3, 1868, to 
Margaret Post, daughter of Benton and Clarissa Post. They have had ten chil- 
dren: Clarissa R., born October 4, 1869; Deloss R., January 6, 1871; Eddy, Oc- 
tober 26, 1872; Alice May, May 15, 1874, now Mrs. Dr. S. J. Conner; Sarah A., 
March 14, 1876, now Mrs. C. N. Wood; Mary O., March 14, 1878, now Mrs. John 
Henry; Stella E., February 15, 1880; Eva C, January 13, 1882; Henry A., Sep- 
tember 1, 1885; Alvin B., July 11, 1888. Eddy died August 25, 1873. 

Mr. Musson came to Adair County, Missouri, November 20, 1868. He has 
lived in Kirksville continuously since August, 1898. Besides his city residence he 
owns a farm of forty acres, situated six miles southeast of Kirksville. 

He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, 
and belongs to the G. A. R. 



Biographical. 



641 




642 



The History of Adair County. 




;i'-ii!i'ncr III A. I., liilliufis, 4 !-'_' iiiik's sdutlicast of Oibbs 




l{('<i(loiicc of A. H. Burns, (5 miles cast of Kiiksvillc 



Biographical. 643 

A. H. BURNS was born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, November C, 1849, 
a son of William M. and Mary A. (Troy) Burns. He was married to Martha J. 
Morrow, August 17, 1875. His wife was a daughter of J. M. and Rosanna (Laughlin) 
Morrow. Mr. Burns has seven living children and one deceased: Effie J., born Maj- 
12, 1874, now the wife of Judge U. 8. G. Keller, of Kirksville; William M., born No- 
vember 13, 1875, lives at Boise, Idaho; Hallie R., December .'il, 1881, now wife of 
Charles Keller, of Caldwell, Idaho; Kate F., September 3, 1883, died June 3, 1884; 
Mary F., May 21, 1885, now wife of G. P. Ward, of Knox County, Missouri; Har- 
vey C, November 19, 1887, now at home; Leland C, May 3, 1893; Chester A., 
.\pril 23, 1895. 

Mr. Burns was born and reared on a farm in Pennsylvania an<l livinl there until 
twenty-one years of age, then went to Illinois, where he remained about six months. 
He then came to Missouri, landing in Kirksville April 1, 1872. While in Pennsyl- 
\ania, Mr. Burns attended the public schools, later taking a course in the New Leb- 
anon Academy. He taught school for a few years in Pennsylvania. After coming 
to this county he taught for a number of years, engaging in farming during his va- 
cation. He quit teaching in 1888, and has since given his entire time and attention 
to farming. He has a farm of 180 acres, six miles east of Kirksville. He is Repub- 
lican in politics and has served as Justice of the Peace of his township for two terms. 
He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. 

CARL GEHRKE, a native of Oberhiitte, Prussia, Germany, was born May 7, 
1866. His parents were August and Augusta (Dominkie) Gehrke. He came to 
America with his parents when a boy, landing in Kirksville when thirteen years old. 
He came directlj' here, living first on a farm ten miles southeast of Kirksville. Here 
they lived till 1892, when he came to his present place. 

Holding a diploma from the common school of education in Germany, he entered 
the Missouri State Normal School at Kirksville. After two years' study in that in- 
stitution he took a course at the American School of Osteopathy, graduating in 1898. 
He practiced about two years in Boonville, Missouri, and Bloomfield, Iowa. Ill 
health forced him to give up practice, so he returned to the farm. While practicing 
he still retained his farm and returned to its active management. The farm con- 
sists of 208 acres, four and one-half miles southeast of Kirksville. It is well improved. 
He handles a dairy, keeping thoroughbred Jerseys. 

On June 6, 1899, Mr. Gehrke was married to Miss June Crittenden, a daughter 
of A. I. and Emma Crittenden. They have one child — Hazel, born July 4, 1900. 

CHARLES M. BR.\WNER, born in Sangamon County, Illinois, January 28, 
1.S53, was a son of John S. and Nancy Brawner. He was married to Mina A. Young, 
daughter of George and Elizabeth Young, June 24, 1877. They had five children: 
Elsie, born January 17, 1878; CilfTord, October 2, 1880; A.sa, December 2, 1883; 
Agnes, August 18, 1888; Bertha, December 9, 1892. 

Mr. Brawner was born in Illinois and came to Adair County with his parents 
in 1854, first living in Kirksville, which was a very small village at that time. He 
lived on a farm near Kirk.sville for a number of years; was then in the milling busi- 
ness. After his marriage he went to farming. In 1881 he bought the farm which 
he now owns, and where he has since resided. It consists of 195 acres, three miles 
southeast of Novinger. The farm is well improved and they have a very pretty 
iiome. Mr. Brawner is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, and a Republican in pol- 
itics. 



644 



The History of Adair County. 




V 



Biographical. 



645 




Country and Kirksville residences ofC. M. Brawner 



646 The History of Adair County. 

LARKE HODGE, a native of Coles County, Illinois, was born October 8, 1856. 
His parents were ^^'illianl and Louisa Hodge. He moved with them to Adair County, 
Missouri, in 1865, settling on a farm in the north part of the county, where he 
grew to manhood, later moving to Kirksville. When grown he went into the brick 
manufacturing business in the counties of Grundy and Harrison. He was also at 
Novinger, and laid brick for some time. In 1904 he quit the brick business, being 
elected constable of the township. After serving two years in that capacity he was 
elected Justice of the Peace, which position he still holds. He has also been city 
collector at Novinger since 1906. Besides his justice and notary work, he does gen- 
eral real estate business. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the I. O. 
O. F. lodge, having served as District Deputy Grand Master for the past two years. 

William Hodge, father of Larke Hodge, has made Adair County his home since 
the Civil War. During the war he was a member of the 79th Illinois Volunteer In- 
fantry, serving three years. He is now eighty-two years old. When he came to 
this county everything was in a wild state. Wild deer, turkey, wolves, fox and wild- 
cat were in abundance. 

W. W. SHOOP was born in Adair "County, Missouri, January 30, 1882. He 
comes from one of the old families of the county, being a son of Adam and Cyrena 
Shoop. He was married March 7, 1908, to Susie E. Tanner, daughter of Martin 
V. and Emma W. Tanner. They have no children. 

Mr. Shoop was born in the northwest part of the county, where he remained, 
working on the farm during the summer and going to school in the winter, until the 
year 1900. He then entered the State Normal School at Kirksville, attending there 
for two years. Since that time he has become one of the most successful and pro- 
gressive techers of Adair County. He held the principalship of the Novinger school 
for four successive years, leaving that for a more lucrative position at Downing, Mis- 
souri. Mr. Shoop is a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian church, and be- 
longs to the I. O. O. F. lodge. 

R. MINTER is a native of Illinois, born in Brown County of that state, Sej)- 
tember 22, 1849. He is a son of Richard W. and Mary A. (Doye) Minter; was mar- 
ried January 6, 1881 , to Miss Dosha Bradshaw, daughter of Lewis and Fannie Brad- 
shaw, near Newark, Missouri. They have two children: Fannie Lou, born August 
5, 1884; Roberta, February 15, 1888. Fannie Lou is the wife of Dr. F. O. Norton, 
Dean of Liberal Arts College, Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa. Mr. Minter 
and family moved to Kirksville, Missouri, November 19, 1905. Roberta is a teach- 
er in Kirksville Public Schools. 

Richard W. Minter, father of the subject of this sketch, was a Virginian, born 
in Henry County of that state in 1822. In his westward sojourning he tarried for 
a brief time in Mississipjji, Tennes.see, finally purchasing a home near the okl town of 
Ripley, Brown County, Illinois, from which place he moved to Knox Comity, Mis- 
.souri, in 1854, purchasing a new home near the present village of Lucust Hill. Owing 
to extreme disturbances and local complications during the Civil War he left Knox 
County in 1864, moving to Canada, where he died September 8, 1866. Six years 
later Mr. Minter returned to Missouri, settling in Lewistown, Lewis County. Here 
he taught school, serving four years as County School Commissioner. In 1881, 
soon after his marriage, he moved to La Balle, Missouri, taking charge of the pub- 
lic schools as principal, later engaging in mercantile pursuits; then forming a part- 



648 The History of Adair County. 

nership in loans, real estate and insuran(;e, with E. A. Dowell, who was later State 
Senator from Twelfth District. Mr. Minter has been a resident of Kirksville since 
1905, and was for several years engaged in newspaper work as editor of The Kirks- 
ville Democrat. He is now in real estate, insurance and Notary work, in which bus- 
iness he is active and successful, as a member of tlic firm of Minter and Winn. 

J. D. ELLIOTT, a native of Coshocton County, Ohio, was born July 19, 18G(). 
His ])arents were Hartley and Prudence Elliott. He was married to Lulu E. Ander- 
son. December 30, 1S91. She is a daughter of Martin and Sarah A. Anderson, of 
Chariton, Iowa. They have three children: Burl D., born January 20, 1S96; C.rac(> 
E.. August 16, 1899; Vera May, September 4, 1902. 

Moving to Iowa with parents when three years old, lie lived there and followed 
farming till 1901, when he moved to this county and bought his present farm. 
It is situated four miles east of Kirksville and consists of 120 acres. He is a breeder 
of Poland-China hogs and Shorthorn cattkv His farm is known as Fairview Stock 
Farm. Mr. Elliott is a Republican. 

WILLIAM M. FORD, a native of Pike County, Illinois, was born Jiaie b-i, 
1840. His parents were David and Hannah (McMillan) Ford. He lived in Illinois 
until the breaking out of the war in 1861, then joined the 2nd Missouri Cavalry, 
and served with that regiment three years, being discharged March 10, 1865. Most 
of the time he was in northern Arkansas and southern Missouri, serving under Col. 
McNeil. At the time of the battle of Kirksville, on August 6, 1862, he was with a 
detachment under Major Rogers, arriving at Kirksville in the afternoon, after much 
of the battle was over. He remained in Kirksville for three days after the battle. 
At the close of the war he went back to Illinois. In 1866 he moved to Adair County, 
where he has since lived and farmed. He moved to the city of Kirksville in 1908. 

Mr. Ford was married August 29, 1877, to Jane Dye, daughter of William and 
Susanna Dye. They have four children, all living: Walter J., born April 21, 1878, 
lives at Seattle; David, February 9, 1880; Lilhan May, April 29, 1881, now Mrs. 
James Morehead, lives in Green County; Aura B., October 25, 1883. 

Mr. Ford is a member of the O. A. R. 

A. H. GARGES, a member of the Krm, Murpliy, Mills & Garges, was born at 
Ijancaster, Mo., where he lived with parents till grown. After attending the public 
school he took a course at the Missouri State University. For a time he clerked in 
a store at Lancaster, then went into tiie iiicrcaiitiie business at that city. The linn 
there was known as Mills & Garges. In 1902 he came to Kirksville and fornud a 
partnership with his former partner, J. C. Mills, and ^^^ P. Murphy, under the name 
of Murphy, Mills & Garges. It was a clothing and gents' furnishing store u]) to 
1908, when a ladies' ready-to-wear dei)artment was adderl. It is said to be one ol' 
the largest stores of the kind in North Missouri. Mr. Garges is manager. The 
firm also has a store at Gait, also one at Chanute, Kansas. 

Mr. (Jarges was born in Schuyler County, Missouri, December 3, 1803, being a 
son of John and Elizabeth CJarges. He was married June 12, 1890, to Mary Fau- 
cett. Tlicy liavc one child — Louis Iv, born April 24, 1892. A. H. Garges ?s a Dem- 
ocrat and a member of the Masonic, Elks and M. W. A. lodges. 



BuxiUAPHICAL. 



04U 




Rpsidpiice of J. D. Elliott, 4 miles east of Kirksville 




W. M. Ford and girandchildron, farm rt 



050 



The History of Adair County. 




^ 



Biographical. (Jol 

L. J. BURK is a native of Warsaw, Illinois, born March LS, 1872. He is a son 
of Peter and Catherina Burk. In 1884 he moved with his parents to Knox County, 
Missouri, where as a young man he engaged in the poultry business. Previous to 
coming to Adair County, he spent two years in Quinoy, Illinois. In 1896 he came to 
Adair Covmty, Missouri, and engaged in the meat business. Recently be became 
a member of the Burk Bros. Meat and Provision Company, being vice-president of 
the company. The ('omi)any owns a large paclcing plant in the northwest part of 
Kirksville. L. J. Burk is supervisor of the retail business. He has been very suc- 
■fssful in his line of work. In politics he is independent. He is an Elk. 

ARTHUR J. BURK was born at Warsaw, Illinois, April 2-4, 1870, being a son 
of Peter and Catherina Burk. In 1884 he mo^•ed with his parents to Edina, Mis- 
souri, where he grew to early manhood. Before coming to Adair County he had 
engaged in the poultry business at Quincy, Illinois. He came to Kirksville, Adair 
County, Missouri, in 1896, entering the meat business, having been connected with 
the Burk Bros, meat markets. 

Recently the Burk Bros. Meat and Provision Company was organized, and Mi-. 
Burk was made president of that company. Aside from their former interests, they 
now conduct a large packing plant, which thej" erected in the northwest part of the 
city of Kirksville, Mi.ssouri. 

He was marrieti in 1905 to Miss Tennie Selby, daughter of Hiram and Ella Selby. 
They have two children: Tennie Martha, born September 24, 1906; Ella Cath- 
erine, May 1, 1910. Mr. Burk belongs to the Elk and K. of P. lodges. 

HERBERT GLUCK, son of Lewis C. and Anna (Wolf) Gluck, was born near 
GifTord, Adair County, December 6, 1873. He was married September 20, 1899, 
to Mattie McHenry, daughter of Mathias and Mary (Simmons) McHenry. They 
have two children: Myrtle May, born .July 20, 1900, died December 16, 1910; 
Lewis, born July 4, 1904. 

Mr. Gluck was born and reared on the old Gluck homestead, just north of Gif- 
ford, on a farm, a part of which he now owns. His father died when he was seven 
years old, and he lived there with his mother till grown. He then married and started 
farming for himself. He has lived in this county all his life, with the exception of one 
year spent in Macon County. At present he owns a farm of 112 acres where he lives, 
and 500 acres just one mile northeast of the home place. 

He is RepubUcan in politics, and belongs to the orders of M. W. A., I. O. O. F., 
and Mrs. Gluck is a member of the Royal Neighbors. 

GEORGE H. FELLERS was born at Nineveh, Adair County, Missouri, Sep- 
tember 28, 1869, being a son of Tobias and Anna (Otton) Fellers. He was married 
July 5, 1900, to Ella Rainer, daughter of Job and Bettie (Moore) Rainer. They 
have two children: Gladys May, born August 18, 1902; Mary Gertrude, May 
12, 1907. 

Mr. Fellers lived at Nineveh till 1882, then moved with his parents to a farm 
four miles southwest of Brashear, where he lived till 1893. He then moved to Bra- 
shear. For fifteen years he was very successful in the drug business there, and for 
^en j'ears has been interested in the telephone business, conducting the Brashear 
Exchange and several country lines. He is prominent in politics, being a Republi- 
can, and on January 1, 1911, was appointed postmaster at Brashear. He is a mem- 
ber of the M. W. A. and Ma.sonic lodges. 



652 



The History of Adair County, 




Biographical. 



653 



c 




654 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 



655 




Residence of George H. Feller;^, Brashe:ir 




Residence of E. H. Burton, near Millard 



656 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 657 

E. H. BURTON, bom in Wisconsin April 15, 1856, a son of H. J. and Electa 
Burton. He came to Adair County, Missouri, when twenty years old. He married 
March 17, ISSO, to Mary C. Ryon, daughter of Henry O. and Adaline Ryon. To 
this union were born three children: Elvenia, born September 8, 1881, died same day; 
Eddie, born July 10, 1885; Jannie Florence, May 22, 1883. 

Mr. Burton now owns 133 1-3 acres of good land in Adair County, near Mil- 
lard. He does general farming and stock raising. He is Republican in politics. 

MRS. MARY GORDON, daughter of John and Sarah A. Bauer, was born in 
Adair County, May 22, LSliG. She was married March 6, 1889, to John Gordon, 
who tlied November, 1909. They had four children, only two of whom are now liv- 
ing: Forrest, born January 21, 1890; Lola, August 14, 1899; Ava, May 27, 1895; 
Lois, February 19, 1898. Both Ava and Lois are deceased. 

Mrs. Gordon was born on the place she now owns. It consists of 120 acres, 
well improved, twelve miles northeast of Kirksville. Mr. Gordon was just complet- 
ing his new home, and was working on a door, when the house was struck by light- 
ning. He was instantly killed, but the building was not damaged. Mrs. Gordon 
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

GEORGE HURWORTH is a native of England. He was born in Durham 
County. England, ^larcli 20, 1872, a son of Martin and Jane Hurworth. He was 
married January 2, 1901, to Lollie Josephine Harriott, daughter of William and 
Caroline Justus Harriott. Mrs. Hurworth was born on the farm on which they 
now live, October 10, 1882. They have three children: Pay Estella, born Decem- 
ber 31, 1901; Anna Pauline, February 11, 1904; Justus Robert, December 2, 1907. 

Mr. Hurworth came to America with his parents in 1878, and settled first near 
Chicago, Illinois. They remained there but a short time, then moved to Macon 
County, ^Missouri, next to Grundy County for a few years, then to Linn County. 
When grown George Hurworth went to mining and worked in various fields in Iowa 
and Missouri. In 1898 he came to Adair County and worked in the mines at Stahl. 
He has been engaged in mining and farming continuously since coming here. The 
farm which he owns consists of thirty-two acres, three-fourths of a mile east of Stahl. 
It is well improved and they have a nice home. He is Republican in politics. 

JOHN GOTHARD, a native of Jo Daviess County, Illijiois, was born October 
S, 1854. He is a son of Isaac and Mary (Roff) Gothard. He was married No- 
vember 24, 1880, to Minerva Cheek, a daughter of Hamilton and Mary (Galpin) 
Cheek. They had five children: Edgar and Edna, twins, born March 10, 1882; 
Jesse, July 5, 1883; Quincy, May 5, 1889; Osta, June 16, 1893, died November 10, 
1897. Edgar married Miss Ethel Leay, and lives in Lahoma, Oklahoma. Edna 
is the wife of Carl Butler of Kirksville. Jesse married Miss Beulah Boyd, and lives 
one mile north of the home place. Quincy resides at home. 

Born and reared on a farm in Illinois, he lived on the farm with his parents till 
grown, then married and lived in the same county for two years. In the spring of 
1884 he went to California, remaining till autumn, when he came to this county. 
After renting a few years he bought his present farm in 1893, where he has since lived. 
It is five miles northeast of Kirksville, consisting of 140 acres. He works at gen- 
eral farming and stock feeding. 

Mr. Gothard is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist church, and is 
also a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge. 

^3 



658 



The History of Adair County. 




Residence of Geo. Hurworth, near Stahl 




){csiclrnci- ii! .idhn (lotli.-inl, ."> (uilcs norilicast of Kirksvill 



Biographical. 559 

DR. H. J. RANKIN was horn in Dos Monies County, Iowa, November 2, 1856, 
a son of D. C. and Mary J. Rankin. He was married to Miss Catherine lloberts 
April 2S, 1893, a daufjliter of Levi and Mary J. Roberts. Mrs. Rankin died at her 
home in Kirksville, June 13, 1910. She was also a native of Iowa and was born in 
.lohnson County of tliat state. May 17, ]S()5. Dr. and Mrs. Rankin had no chil- 
dren . 

Dr. Raidvin was reared on a farm in Iowa, attending the public schools of his 
section and later took a course at Kossouth Academy. He taught school five j'ears 
and then began the study of medicine. He attended the medical department of 
the Iowa State University, from which he graduated in 1882. He entered the prac- 
tice in Johnson County, Iowa, remaining there eleven years. Then in 1893 he cam(> 
lo Kirksville, where he has since resided. He practiced his profession and conducted 
a drug store here till the death of his wife, when he sokl his business and retired. 

AMANDUS D. RISDON was born iu Tiffin, Ohio, Seneca County. When 
nine years old he left home, going to Marengo, Iowa. He attended school in the 
Western College at Weston, Iowa, and Grinnell University at Grinnell, Iowa. Dur- 
ing the war he enlisted, October 2, 1861, in Company I, 13th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, 
under General Grant, taking part in several important engagements. At his lei- 
sure time during the war he read law, and continued his study after retiring from 
the army. He was admitted to the bar at Marengo, Iowa, in 1864, and the follow- 
ing year came to Kirksville, Missouri, and engaged in the practice of his profession. 
For fourteen years he was county Prosecuting Attorney, served seven years as pres- 
ident of the Board of Education, was secretary of the Board of Regents of the Nor- 
mal School at Kirksville, served as City Attorney, and was the first City Counselor 
of Kirksville. For forty-seven years he engaged in the practice of his profession, 
but has now retired. Mr. Risdon is a Republican, a member of the G. A. R., and 
belongs to the Elks lodge. 

FRANK F. ROSS was born in Hancock County, Illinois, February 26, 1866, 
being a son of E. M. and Julia Ross. He was married March 24, 1895, to Miss .\llie 
McMillan, daughter of Dr. L. C. and Mary McMillan. They have one child- 
Charlie, born February 18, 1896. 

Mr. Ross came to Macon County, Missouri in 1869, where he lived until 1895. 
He then moved to Adair County, and has farmed here since then. He owns a farm 
of eighty acres, situated two and one-fourth miles south of Gibbs. Mr. Ross handles 
Poland-China hogs. White Holland turkeys, and Barred Plymouth Rock chickens. 
He is a member of the Christian church and is a Democrat. 

J. F. ROSEBERY was born January 13, 1868, in Putnam County, Missouri. 
He is the son of William and Mary J. Rosebery. He moved with his parents from 
Putnam Countj^ Missouri, to Haskell County, Kansas, in 1886. Was married in 
Santa Fe, Kansas, January 15, 1889, to Margaret A. Collins, also born in Putnam 
County, Missouri, daughter of Alexander and Amanda Collins. They have two 
children: Dalton C, born January 29, 1892, and Nola F.. born February 13, 1894. 

Mr. Rosebery came to Adair County, Missouri, in 1891, where he has been en- 
gaged in farming and stock raising. He now owns a well-improved farm of 260 
acres, situated two and one-half miles northeast of Stahl, Missouri. Has owned 
and resided on said farm fourteen years. In politics he is a Rei)ublican. 



660 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 



661 




Attorncv A. D. Risdou, Kirksvillc 



662 



The Histoey of Adair County. 




BlOCRAPHICAL. 



lUio 




Resideiifc and barn of J. F. Rosebory, near Shiblcy's Point 



664 The History of Adair County. 

ELLSWORTH E. PRICE was reared on a farm in Sullivan County, where he 
attended the i)ublic scliool. He was born December 28, 1870, a son of Harrison and 
Martha Price. When grown he took a course at the State Normal School, after 
which he taught seven years. He then went into the mercantile business at Shib- 
ley's Point, remaining there three years. He next moved to Stahl, engaging in the 
same business for seven years. In 1909 he sold out and moved to Kirksville, Mis- 
souri. In Ma}^, 1910, he bought the Givens grocery, which is considered one of the 
largest grocery stores in North Missouri. 

He was married October 13, 1895, to Ella Greenstreet, daughter of John and 
Lucinda Greenstreet. They have three children: Ival, born February 28, 1897; 
Nita, April 30, 1898; Omer, December 11, 1901. He is a member of the Masonic 
and K. of P. lodges. 

DANIEL H. HUSTON, a native of Adair County, was born on a farm near 
Gibbs, January 1, 1870, a son of George R. and Abighal (MacCuen) Huston. He 
was married May 23, 1897, to Emma E. Mitten, daughter of Thomas G. and Mary 
E. Mitten. They have no children. 

Mr. Huston lived with his parents on the farm till grown, attending the public; 
school. When grown he married and went into the mercantile business at Gibbs, 
and has been there continuously since. He was appointed postmaster at Gibbs 
June 12, 1897. He still holds this position. He is a Republican and a member of 
the I. O. O. F. and M. W. A. lodges. 

ABEL SCOFIELD is a native of Lee County, Virginia. He was born April 
26, 1833, a son of Joshua and Ada (Warren) Seofield. He has been twice married, 
his first wife being Hannah J. (Greathouse), to whom he was wedded March 2(3, 
1852. She died May 12, 1900. They had eleven children, only four of whom are 
living: John, born March 10, 1853; Jesse M., October 17, 1855, died in infancy; 
Francis E., June 26, 1857, died May 12, 1863; James M., March 4, 1858, died August 
4, 1894; Henry M. and Thomas F., twins, February 28, 1861; Sarah E., November 
9, 1863, died in infancy; Emma, March 29, 1866, was wife of M. Z. Vice, and 
died June 10, 1896; Adelbert and Mary, twins, June 14, 1868 (Adelbert died in in- 
fancy); Oliver W., February 16, 1873, died March 10, 1874; Louisa D., May 18, 
1876, was wfe of James Hall, and died June 10, 1903. 

His second wife was Mrs. Florence Beck, whose maiden name was Bozarth, to 
whom he was married June 16, 1900. They had three children, only one of whom 
is living: Josiah M., born May 20, 1902; Margaret M., March 25, 1901, died April 
7, 1902; Hester E., October 17, 1905, died in infancy. Mrs. Seofield had four chil- 
dren by her former marriage: Benjamin F., born September 18, 1884; Bessie, Jan- 
uary 6, 1890; Eva, June 12, 1892; Delassie P., May 30, 1894. 

Mr. Seofield moved to Iowa in 1849, remaining there till 1853, when he came 
to Missouri and settled in Clark County. Two years later he moved to INIacon 
County, and remaincnl there till 1862. He* then came to Adair County, where he 
has since lived and farmed. He has lived on his ])resent farm for the past thirty- 
two years. It consists of eighty acres and is situated about two miles southeast of 
Pure Air. 

During the war he served with the Home Guard and State Militia. He be- 
longs to the G. A. R., and has been a devoted member of the Methodist church fifty- 
eight years. He helped to build tlie first church ever erected in this coimly, west 
of the Chariton River. 



Biographical. 



G6o 




(jti() 



The History of Adair County. 




o 



f4 



Biographical 



667 




D. H. Huston's ^tore, fiibbs 




Resid'-iu'c and tiunilv of Abel Scofield. 2 miles soutluasT of I'nro Air 



668 The History of Adair County. 

BENJAMIN F. HENRY, a native of Jacksonville, Illinois, was born Septem- 
ber 26, 1847, a son of John and Elizabeth Henry. He was married November 8, 
1872, to Belle Botts, daughter of Joshua and Barbara Botts. They have one child 
— Clifford Elmore, born December 20, 1873. 

Mr. Henry came to Benton County, Missouri, in 1867, and engaged in farming; 
came to Kirksville 1869, and clerked for F. A. Grove, in a drug store. In 1883 he 
purchased an interest in the store, after which the firm was known as F. A. Grove 
& Company. The store burned in 1890, and Mr. Henry bought Mr. Grove's inter- 
est. For 'twenty years he has conducted what is known as Henry's Drug Stoi'e. 
He has been in the same building thirty-four years. 

B. F. Henry is a Democrat in politics. He belongs to the Masonic lodge, Chap- 
ter, Commandery, Shrine — in fact, has taken all the degrees in Masonry except the 
thirty-third. He serves as President of the Kirksville Gas, Heat and Electric Com- 
pany, and is interested in many other business enterprises. 

VALANTINE J. HOWELL, a native of Marion County, Missouri, was born 
October 12, 1865, a son of Orlando and Nannie (Lair) Howell. He remained in 
Marion County until twenty-one, attending the public school. He took a course 
at the Palmyra Seminary, later at the Kirksville Mercantile College. After com- 
pleting this course he taught in the College one year, being then elected principal, 
which position he held five years. He traveled for the .Etna Loan Company five 
years, then accepted a position in the Kirksville Savings Bank in 1897. He was 
first bookkeeper and has successfully filled all positions up to cashier, which posi- 
tion he still holds. He has been cashier for the past five years. 

Mr. Howell was united in marriage November 6, 1890, to Lucy M. Willis, daugli- 
ter of Joseph M. and Mary (Brown) Willis. They have five children: Jeanette, 
born March 1, 1894; Edward, December 27, 1894; Virginia, July 12, 1898; Isabel, 
September 25, 1904; Louise, August 21, 1906. 

V^ J. Howell is a Democrat, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Churcli, 
South, and belongs to the Masonic Order, Kirksville Lodge No. 105, and the M. 
W. A. 

C. M. C. WILLCOX,M.D., wns born at Kirksville, Missouri, Aug. 30, 1870, 
a son of Ehjah and Louisa Willcox. He was married October 9, 1895, to Jessie M. 
Guthrie. They have one chikl — Mildred, born May 26, 1899. 

Dr. Willcox was educated in the public schools and took a course in the State 
Normal School. He graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at 
Keokuk, Iowa, in 1891. In 1903 he took a post-graduate course in the Medical 
School and Hospital at New York City. He located at Millard in 1892, for the prnc- 
tice of his profession. He practiced in the territory about Millard until 1902, then 
removed to Kirksville, where he has since lived and practiced. He was coroner of 
Adair County four terms, president of the Board of Pension Examiners seven years, 
and County Physician ten years. He is examiner for the New York Life Insurance 
Company, International Life Insurance Com])any, Missouri State Life, Kansas 
City Life, Illinois Life, Federal Life of Illinois, Minnesota State Mutual, Reliance of 
Pittsburg, Prudential, Woodmen, Yeomen, United Order of Foresters, and Royal 
Highlanders and Homesteaders. 

He is a Republican in ])olitics and a member of the Masonic Order, belonging 
to the Commandery, Chaplfr and Shrine. 



Biographical. 



631) 







670 



The History of Adair County. 




Kirksvilk' Suvin";;^ Bank 



Biographical. 



()71 




C. M. C. Willcox, ^I. D. 



672 



The History of Adair County. 




W. W. Martin, M. D., D. ()., and daujihtc'r Juanita 



BlOGKAPHK AL. ()78 

W. W. MARTIN, M. D., is a native of xVdair County' Missouri, born four miles 
.southeast of Kirksville, July 19, 1877. He is a son of William T. and Amanda F. 
Martin. He was married June 23, 1904, to Purla Bown, daughter of James and 
Elizabeth Bown, who died August 2, 1908. They had one child — Josie Juaiiita, 
born July 2, 190(5. He was again married March 30, 1910, to Inna Corbin, daugh- 
ter of Newton and Mary Corbin. 

Dr. Martin was educated in the public schools and the State Normal School. 
He graduated from the Columbian School of Osteopathy June 27, 1899. He took 
a course in the Eclectic Medical University, graduating from the medical dejiart- 
ment March 13, 1903. He has spent seven years in practice at Sperry. 

Dr. Martin sold his business at Sperry in March, 1911, and moved to Kirksville, 
Missouri, and is pleasantly located in a suite of rooms in the Grim building on Wash- 
ington Street. The Still College of Osteopathy of Des Moines, Iowa, on May 24, 
1911, conferred on Dr. Martin the honorary degree of D. O. 

Dr. Martin is a Republican in politics, a member of the Baptist church and 
I. O. O. F. and B. A. of Y., and recently became a member of the 

WILLIAM H. JONES is a native of Washington County, Ohio. He was born 
January 31, 1864, being a son of Jacob C. and Fannie (Koch) Jones. He was united 
in marriage November 17, 1885, to Susie Minor, daughter of Johnson and Kate 
(Scott) Minor. They have two children: Ethyl, twenty-three years of age; Miss 
Lyle, who is fifteen years old. Ethyl is now Mrs. Clarence Rich. 

Mr. Jones came to Lewis County, Missouri, with his parents when ten years 
old. He lived at home until grown, then went to farming, and continued that occu- 
pation till 1900. He then went into the mercantile business at Greencastle, Mis- 
souri. He was also assistant cashier in the Greencastle Bank for two years. In 
March, 1910, he gave up that position and moved to Kirksville, Missouri, going 
into the real estate and loan business, forming a partnership with Silas W. Winn. 

JOHN A. ELMORE was born in Wilson tov/nship, Adair County, Missouri, 
November 28, 1873, being a son of John S. and Nancy Elmore. He was married 
January 29, 1893, to Annie E. Winn, daughter of Uzad and Polly Ann Winn. They 
have no children. Mr. Eliuore owns a farm of eighty acres, situated five and three- 
fourths miles northeast of La Plata and three miles south of Gibbs He does gen- 
eral farming and stock raising. He is a Democrat in politics, a member of the Chris- 
tian church, and belongs to the K. of P. lodge at La Plata. 

J. A. SHOCKEY is a native of Ohio, born August 6, 1867. His parents were 
John E. and Sarah E. Shockey. He was married January 18, 1891, to Hester J. 
Roberts, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth H. Roberts. They had six children: 
Henry. A., born December 26, 1891 (deceased); Lelah C, December 21, 1893; Jen- 
nie F., November 18, 1895; Eva May, January 17, 1898; Imo Pearl, November 
21, 1905; John W., April 7, 1910. 

Mr. Shockey owns a farm of 240 acres, situated twelve miles northeast of Kirks- 
ville. He deals in Shropshire sheep, Duroc-Jersey hogs, fine mules, horses, cattle, 
etc. He moved to Adair County, Missouri, from Ohio, in 1886. He has since lived 
in this county and engaged in farming. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member 
of the Church of God. 



074 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 



675 




676 



The History of Adair County. 



f r I 



'1^" 




HuXiHAl'HlCAL. 677 

ORIE J. SMITH was born in Brown County, Illinois, May 7, 1875, a son of 
Bcnjaniiii and Annie R. (Onior) Smith. His i)arcnts niovod to Adair County, Mis- 
souri, in ISSi), wIuM-o ho attended the jiublio school and took a courso in the Kirks- 
ville Business College. He worked for four years at the implement business at Kirks- 
ville. After quiftinii that work he went to Illinois and farin(>(l four years, tlien came 
back to Adair County, Missoiu'i, and conducted his mother's farm. 

"His father died January 18, 1894. Later he and his mother .sold part of the 
old home place, and bought 120 acres of land three mil(>s northeast of Kirksville. 

Mr. Smith lived with his mother in Kirksville and conducted both farms, until 
liis mother's death, October 13, 1910. Later he purchased the remainder of the 
farm three miles northeast of Kirksville, where he is now living. He makes a spe- 
cialty of raising registered Aberdeen-Angus cattle, American Hampshire and Ches- 
ter AVhite swine. He has some of the finest herds of both breeds of hogs, and also 
cattle, to be found in northeast Missouri. 

WALTER E. SPENCER is a native of this county, reared on a farm near Bra- 
shear. He was born May 31, 1874, a son of Thomas J. and Martha E. (Howerton) 
Spencer. He was married January 15, 1907, to Zora M. Coldsberry, daughter of 
INIartin and Rebecca Goldsberry. They have no children. 

In 1898 Mr. Spencer left Adair County, Missouri, and went to Nebraska, icmain- 
ing there till 1901, when he enlisted in Company F., 28th U. S. Infantry, regular 
army, serving nineteen months. At the end of that time he was honorably discharged. 
Part of this time was spent in Manila. He was sent with the troops detailed to put 
down the Filipino insurrection. Three months was spent in actual campaigning 
and hard service. He enlisted as private and was promoted to Corporal. After 
his term of enlistment had expired he spent a few months in California, then re- 
turned to Brashear. In January, 1909, he went into the real estate, loan and in- 
surance business at Brashear, in which he is still engaged. 

He is a member of the Masonic lodge, and is a Republican. 

LEWIS WALTERS was born in Cirainger County, Tennessee, April 25, 1836, 
a son of William and Jerusha (Lay) Walters. He was married August 9, 1856, to 
Rachel J. Cook, daughter of Thomas and Leah Cook. Mrs. Walters was born in 
Dearborn County, Indiana, May 3, 1839. They had seventeen children: Rachel 
E., born August 17, 1858, now Mrs. J. W. 0. Sloan; Mary A., March 11, -1860, died 
July 31, 1861: William T., September 26, 1861, died December 10, 1862; Hugh A., 
December 23, -1862, died October 10, 1868; Jerusha L., March 8, 1864, died August 
14, 1864; Louisa E., December 20, 1865, and James M., same date, twins; Louisa 
is now Mrs. James R. Sloan; Leah G. and Laura G., January 12, 1869, twins; Laura 
died the same day o) her birth, and Leah died October 6, 1870; Jonah W., December 
29, 1870; Lewis A., November 14, 1873; Phoebe M., .\pril 11, 1875, now Mrs. Sol- 
omon Shoop; Henry L., January 16, 1877; John S., October 19, 1879; George W., 
October 25, 1882; Nellie L., February 20, 1884, now Mrs. John Russell. Mr. Wal- 
ters was first married to Marj- A. Wortman, August 27, 1854. Thej- had one child 
^Martha J., born September 28, 1855. She is now Mrs. John T. Sneath. The 
first wife died November 2, 1855. 

Mr. Walter came to Adair County with his parents in 1841, the same year the 
county was organized. There was only one house in Kirksville. The family drove 
through with an ox team, taking about eight weeks to make the trip. They set- 



078 



The History of Adair County. 




fe 



33 



Biographical. 



079 



p-i 



B 



W 




1580 



The History of Adair County. 




Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Walters, present residence ;md jjioneer lioine, near Staid 



BlOCIUAl'HICAL. \ ()S1 

tied in Morrow townsliip, whore Jack Mefjrew now lives. Mr. Walters lived at liome 
till grown, then married and entered the land he now owns. He has lived and farmed 
on the same place all his life, except the time spent in the army, and two years, 187.S 
to 1880, in Montana. He owns a farm of 500 aeres, one mile east of Ktahl. He is 
a breeder of Shorthorn cattle, Percheron horses, and Poland-China hogs. 

Mr. Walters joined Company B., 39th Missouri Infantry, in ISti-l, and serveil 
till the close of the war. He is a Democrat in politics, and a inemher of the Ua|)tist 
I'lmrch. 

CLARENCE M. HUGHES, a native of Schuyler Comity, Missoin-i, was horn 
March 8, 1877, son of James M. and Esther (Cornell) Hughes, old time settlers. 
He was married April 7, 1901, to Ida L. Miller, daughter of John D. and Louisa A. 
iSchiiele) Miller. Mr. Miller is dead, but Mrs. Miller is still living. They are old 
residents of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes have no children. 

Mr. Htighes moved with his parents to Nineveh when about five years old. He 
stayed at home till grown, and taught school in Adair County six years. After his 
marriage he went into the mercantile business for a time at Novinger, then at Con- 
nelsville. He quit that business in 1903. Since then he has been farming and rais- 
ing stock. He owns a splendid farm of 160 acres, one mile north of Connelsville. 
He lives in Connelsville, where he owns a very pretty home. He is a member of the 
K. of P. lodge. Mr. Hughes's mother liied November 1. 1910. 

WASH MAY was born in Bureau County, Illinois, June 13, 18()2, a son of John 
and Vesta May. He was married September 15, 1882, to Rebecca Gipson, daughter 
of John and Sarah Gipson. They have eight children: Bertha, born March 4, 1883, 
now Mrs. Clarence Cooper; Alice, July 4, 1885, now Mrs. Fred Lewellen; Mary E., 
August 23, 1887, now Mrs. Herman Kosch; Herby, April 3, 1889; Lizzie, March 
2. 1893; Pettie, November 11, 1895; Alva, Ajiril 24, 1897; Olcey, .January 28, 1899; 
Thelma, June 6, 1904. 

Mr. May moved to Putnam County, Missouri, Avith his parents in 1869. He 
was reared on farm in that county, and farmed there for several years. In 1908 
he sold his farm and came to Stahl, where he went into the hotel and livery busi- 
ness. In the fall of 1910 he sold out the hotel, and now conducts the li\ery business 
at that place. He is a R<>publican in jiolitics. 

HORACE L. MILLER, son of Hirtvm and Mary A. Miller, was born February 
9, 1851, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was married November 5, 1884, to Nora 
■<aner, who died June 3, 1899. They had four children: Burdette, twenty-five years 
(if age; LiUian, twenty-one, now Mrs. Woods; Bessie, sixteen; Matie, twelve. 

Mr. Miller started out to earn his own living when fifteen years old. He lived 
in Milwaukee till 1871, then came to Adair County, Missouri, buying a farm of 240 
acres, near Bullion. He took a big contract for grading on the O. K., but receiving 
no recompense, it took the farm to pay his obligations. In 1873 he moved to Kirks- 
ville, Mi.ssouri, later going into the saw mill business, continuing till 1910, when he 
traded for the Kirksville Manufacturing Plant. He manufactures the Cyclone 
Washing Machine, also hay stackers and rakes, jwrch seats and swings. 



(382 



The History of Adair County. 




u 






o 



K 



Biographical. 



683 




684 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 085 

LONNIE F. GIBBS,, a native of Adair County, was born at Gibbs, July 16, 
1887, being the first boy born at that phiee after the town was started. He is a son 
of Frank W. and Emma (McCoy) Cibbs. He was married June 16, 1909, to Kate 
Graves, a daughter of Thomas E. Graves. They have no ciiildren. 

He Hved at Gibbs till 1901, when he moved with his j)arents to Kirksville. He 
attended the public schools, took a course at the State Normal School and the Kirks- 
ville Business College, .\fter quitting school he accepted a position with the Kirks- 
\alle Trust Company as bookkeeper. In 1910 he was promoted to teller, which po- 
sition he now holds. He and his wife are both members of the Christian church. 

FRANK W. GIBBS was born in Wilson township, Adair County, Mi.ssouri, 
June 22, 1860. He grew to manhood on the farm, attending the public school dur- 
ing the winter months, until he was eighteen years old, then came to Kirksville to 
complete his education at the State Normal School. He then took up the occupation 
of farming and stock raising. In 1887 the Santa Fe railroad was built through the 
Gibbs farm. He then founded the town, which was named Gibbs in his honor. Mr. 
Gibbs took a great interest in the building of this town, donating the land for the 
depot, stock yards, etc. After the town was started he bought and shipped a great 
deal of stock. 

In the year 1900 he was nominated and elected by the Republican party to 
the office of County Collector, which office he held for three successive terms. Since 
that time he has been in the real estate business. He was married April 16, 1883, 
to Emma McCoy, the daughter of J. W. and R. E. McCoy. Mrs. Gibbs was born, 
reared and educated in Adair County. They had three children: Ernest, born 
April 9, 1884; Mary E., July 2, 1S85; Lonnie F., July 16, 1887. Both the first chil- 
dren died in infancy. Mr. Gibbs is known as a very generous, courteous man, con- 
tinually .sacrificing for others. His home has always been one of hospitality; all 
who come within its doors are treated courteously. 

He is a Mason, Odd Fellow, Yeoman, and belongs to the Kirksville Order of 
Elk.s. 

HON. ALONZO L. GIBBS (deceased) was born in Blanford, Massachusetts, 
November 7, 1819. His father, Loring Gibbs, was a native of that state, and also 
liis mother, Mary (CoUister) Gibbs, was born in Massachusetts. Mr. Gibbs remained 
i^i his native state until a ycung man. He received a common school education. 
M about the age of twenty-one he went to New Jersey and taught school five years, 
in Morris County. Here he became acquainted with Mary A. Garrabrant, daugh- 
ter of Peter and Elizabeth Garrabrant, the father being one of the substantial farm- 
ers of that locality. To her he was married October 3, 1848. They had three chil- 
dren: Loring P., died April -30, 1876, at the age of twenty-two; Frank W., born 
.lune 22, 1860; Dewitt C, April 5, 1866. 

Previous to his marriage he was engaged in the mercantile business in Albany, 
New York, at which place he remained two years. In the fall of 1849 he moved 
West, locating at Elkhorn, Wisconsin, where he remained three years, spending one 
in mercantile business and two years on a farm. In 1858 he moved to Mis.souri, 
locating in Wilson township, Adair County. Here he bought and improved land. 
He was a very shrewd, enterprising business man. He was a member of the Repub- 
lican party, and in 1869 was nominated and elected Representative of Adair County, 
serving one term with distinction. Mr. Gibbs was one of the foimders of the State 
Normal School at Kirksville. 



()86 



The History of Adair County. 




J ^ 




o 



BlOCRAPHK'AL. 



687 




F. W. Gibbs, Kirksville, founder of the city of Gibbs 



688 



The History of Adair County. 




BlOGKAPHlCAL 



6S9 




Hon. Alonzo L. Gibbs, deceased 



(i9() The History of Adair CouNTi'. 

During the Civil \\'ar ho was a member of the Home Guards — a strong Union 
man, and the county had no better citizen. He was a kind father, a devoted hus- 
band, and was noted for his hospitahty. He was formerly an Episcopalian, but 
in later life espoused the Cniversalist faitli. He died September 29, 1SS2. 

GEORGE W. McCOY was born in Tyler County, West Virginia, August 7, 
ISll, the son of J. \V. anil R. E. McCoy. He moved with his parents to Iowa, thence 
to Adair County, Missouri, in the y(>ar 1S60, where he has since residetl, except four 
years which he spent in the West. He was never married. Since his father's death, 
which occurred many years ago, he and his aged mother kept house on their farm, 
one mile north of Gibbs. One year ago they rented their farm and moved to Gibbs, 
where the mother died October 24, 1910. George McCoy continued to reside at 
the home till his death, January 2, 1911. He was well known throughout the coun- 
ty in which he lived, also in Kirksville where his sister, Mrs. Frank Gil)l)s, and many 
of his best friends reside. He was always welcome in their homes and honored for 
liis sunny disposition and good comradeship. He has helped many who were needy, 
was quick to appreciate a kindness or resent an offense. For many years he was a 
member of the Methoilist chiu'ch, at Gibbs— in all he was a mode! citizen. 

J. M. KENNEDY, one of the leading business men of the city, formerly owned 
the telephone exchange and light plant, but has sold both, and for five years after the 
plant was sold was employed by the company. He came to Adair County with his 
mother in 1867, his father having died in 1860. They settled at Kirksville and he 
has lived here since. When grown he went into the implement and grain business, 
in which he continued till 1904, then sold out his business. In tlie meantime, in 
1889, he established a telephone system at Kirksville which ho continued till 1905, 
when he sold it to the Missouri and Kansas, or Bell Comjjany. He was district 
manager till July 10, 1910, when this district was consolidated with Hannibal. He 
was offered the management of th(> larger district, but as this would take him away 
from Kirksville he (loolined.' 

Mr. Kennedy was born at Spuria, Alabama, March 11, 1S5G, being a son of 
Thomas M. and Sarah B. (Mason) Kennedy. He was married November 21, 1883, 
to Carrie Miller, daughter of Valentine and Margaret (Class) Miller. Mrs. Ken- 
nedy was born near Bloomington, Illinois, January 13, 1862. They had one child — 
Sam M. Kennedy, born January 11, 18S9. 

J. M. Kennedy has been a resident of Adair County, Missouri, forty-fovu- >-(>ars. 
He belongs to the Masonic order, being a member of Chapter No. 7, Ely Com- 
mandry No. 22, at Kirksville and a Shrinor. He is also a member of the Elks lodge. 

HARVEY S. HILT was born near the city of Kirksvill(>, Missouri, Ai)ril 2n, 
1856, being a son of John and Sarah Hilt. He was married February 23, 1884, to 
Fannie Clark, daughter of Thomas and Catherine Clark. They had five children: 
E\-erctt Roy, born December 13, 1886, died in infancy; Charles S., February 8, 1887, 
died in infancy; Opal May, July 13, 1888; John Thomas. April 10, 1890: Mao- 
Ann, April 26, .1898 

Mr. Hilt has always made Adair County his home. He nt)w owns a farm of 
122 acres situated two miles northwest of Adair, where he has lived for ten years, 
engaged in general f.arming and stock raising. He is a Democrat in i)()litics and a 
member- of tlie Catholic cliurcli. 



BlOGUAPIIICAL. 



()<)1 




692 



The History of Adair County. 




ffi 



fX 



Bi()(;kaphi('al. 693 

WILLIAM G. FOUT was horn October 11, isr)l, at Kroclcrick, Maryland, 
being a son of Greenberry and l']liza (drove) Vout, He was married May 5, 187G, 
To Ada DeReamer. They have three ehilch-en: Cieorge Eugene, born August 21, 
1S77; Anna Maude, February <l, 1S79: Clara DeReamer, March 2(i, ISSfi, now Mrs. 
E. C. Brott. 

When Mr. lout was fom-teen years old his father died, and soon after tliis Mr. 
Font went to Pctersbiu'g, West Virginia, where he clerked in a store and attended 
the public schools. He remained there two years, then eanu- to Kirksville, Mi^- 
souri, landing here in 1S69, where he has since made his home, lie clerked in a 
drug store for Dr. F. A. drove for three years, then went into th(> drug business for 
himself. In 190-1, when the Citizens Bank was organi'/.ed. he sold his drug store 
and entered the bank, being elected cashier. In ]90ii the Baird Bank was purchased 
and continued its operations under the name of National Bank, now being called the 
Citizen's National Bank. Mr. Fout continues as cashier of this bank. It has a 
capital of $100,000.00, and a surplus of $10,000.00, U. S. depositary. Mr. Fout owns 
a beautiful residence in Kirksville, also a farm of 2,00 acres, two miles northwest of 
the city. The farm is all underlaid with rish coal, which Mr. Fout is developing. 

Mr. Fout has been president of the Kirksville Building and Loan Association 
since its organization. He belongs to the Knights Templar Body of Masonry, and 
is a member of the Shrine. 

LEWIS ARBOGAST was born in Alsace-Lorraine, Germany, May 18, 1873. 
He is a son of Louis and Magdalene Arbogast. He married Ida Mason, daughter 
of Floj^d and Rachael Mason, February 14, 1898. He came to Adair County, Mis- 
souri, direct from Germany, and for a number of years was associated with Michael 
Webber in the mill business at Yarrow. Selling out his interest in the mill in 1900, 
he engaged in the mercantile business at Yarrow. In 1901 he was appointed post- 
master at Yarrow, and now attends to the duties of that position, as well as super- 
intends the running of his general merchandise business. 

He is Republican in politics and belongs to the Masonic, I. (). O. F., Elks and 
M. W. A. lodges. 

SAMUEL HIBBARD, son of William B. and Susan J. (Rogers) Hibbard, was 
lujrn July 30, ISfiO, in Adair County, three and one-half miles southeast of Kirks- 
ville. He was united in marriage September 28, 1887, to Caroline Duckworth. 
They have four children living and one dead: ]\Iabel C, born August 22, 1890: 
William G., July 19, 1 893; Mary E., May 13, 1898; Thomas P., November 9, 1901. 
The second child, a boy, died in infancy. 

Mr. Hibbard was born on the old Hibbard homestead, the place now owned by 
his nephew, S. N. Still. He lived on the farm with his mother till grown, his father 
dying when he was twelve years old. In 1871 he went to Saline County, Missouri, 
remaining one year; then to Montana, where he was in the mining business about 
four years; then to Black Hills, Dakota, working at the same business for three years; 
then to Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Old Mexico, etc., part of the time mining, 
and part of the time ranching. In July, 1909, he returned to Adair County, and 
now lives on part of the old Hibbard homestead, where he now farms. 

Mr. Hibbard served as County Judge while in Kansas. He was then in Kear- 
nev Countv. He is a Prohibitionist. He and famiJv belong to the HoUness church. 



694 



The History of Adair County, 




W. G. P'out's residence, Kirksville 




\\i- \il)(in;ist's Store, Van 



BlOCHAl'IIlCAL. 605 

SAML'EL A. NOVINGER, a native of tliis county, was l)t)rn near \()vinj;er, 
October lo, 1S50. Mis parents wore Isaac and Christina (Shoop) Novinffer. lie 
was united in niarriaiie September lo, 1S7S, to Mary A. Motler, daughter of Xoah 
and Susan Motler. Slie was born in Adair Comity, February 7, ISo?. They have 
six children: Blanche, born January 2S, ISSO, now the wife of Dr' ,)ohn W . Uiley, 
of Xew York; Ora E., January IS, bXS4; Florence", March 26, 1S8(), now (lie wife of 
M. S. Brown, of this county; Jesse, January Iii, 1SS7; Christine, June l(i, 1S07; 
Pauline, December 18, 1900. 

Mr. Xovinger has spent all his life in farmina;, except one year in railroading. 
He now owns a farm of 3o(i acres, one and one-fourth miles northwest of Novin^(>r. 
He is president and a large stockholder in the Novinger Bank, his son, Ora, being 
the cashier. He is also a stockholder in the Connelsville Bank. On the farm lie 
makes a specialty of breeding Poland-China hogs and Shorthorn cattle. He is a 
Democrat and a member of the K. of P. lodge. 

HUGH VICTOR ARCHER was born and reared at .Martinstown, Missouri, 
where his father was in the mercantile business. In 1909 his father died and he left 
home, going to Oklahoma, where he engaged in farming. In 1903 his fath; r moved 
with his family to Adair County, purchasing the store at Shibley's Point, which lie 
conducted till his death. In February, 1911, Mr. Archer returned from OklalMima 
to take charge of the store, which belongs to his mother. 

]Mr. .\rcher was born November 23, 1877, a son of Horace R. and Julia A. Archer. 
He was married February 19, 1911, to Ora Lewis, daughter of Clarence M. and \'iola 
Lewis. Mr. Archer is a Upublican and belongs to the M. W. A. fraternity. 

SAMUEL HATCH ELLISON is a native of Kirksville, Missouri. He was 
iDorn Jaiuiary 23, lS7o, a son of Andrew Fjllison. He married Miss Margaret Wil- 
son, daughter of Dr. J. A. Wilson of Greentop, Missouri, April 30, 1903. They have 
one child — Andrew, born June 5, 1904. 

Mr. Ellison %vas educated in the Missouri State Normal School at Kirksville. 
He read law with his father, and was admitted to the bar at the May term of Adair 
County, jNIissouri, Circuit Court in 1897. For a time he was in partnership with 
Senator G. W. Humphrey in Shelbina, and after his father's death, June, 1902, he 
went into partnership with M. D. Campbell in Kirksville. The firm is known as 
Campbell & Ellison. He is a Democrat and comiected with the Mason, K. of P. 
and Elk lodges. 

Mr. Ellison belongs to a family in which there have been many famous lawyers. 
His grandfather, James Ellison, and his father, Andrew Ellison, were both Judges 
of this Circuit Court, and his uncle, James Ellison, is a Judge of the Kansas Citj" 
Court of A])pea!s. 

R.\Y C. WADDILL was born on a farm near Kirksville, June 15, 1877, being 
a son of \Mlliain M. and Elizabeth Waddill. He was married December 9, 1904, to 
Minnie Cromwell. They have three children: William C, six years old; Jack 
Spencer, three years of age; Robert B., an infant. 

Mr. \\'ad<lill lived at home on tlie farm till nineteen years old, then left home 
antl clerked in a store in Kirksville. He attended Smith's Business College. In 
1900 he went into the grocery business at 714 South Florence Aveiuie, at Kirksville, 
where he is still engaged. Ho has been very succes.sful, and developed a large trade. 
He is Republican in politics. 



696 



The History of Adair County. 




BlCXiKAPIIICAL 



097 




698 The History of Adair County. 

H. SELBY was born and reared on a farm in West Virginia, remaining there 
till twenty-two years of age, attending the piibhc school, and helping on the home 
place. He came to Missouri and settled at Kahoka, Clark County, .\fter devoting 
several years to teaching school and farming, he went into the poultry business at 
Wayland, Clark Covmty. He was afterward in the same business at La Plata, Mis- 
souri, and for fiv(> years followed that work at Keokuk, Iowa. He came to Kirks- 
ville, Missouri, in 1S9."), from Quincy, Illinois, where he had been engaged in this 
special line of nork, starting a branch house, and moving here to take charge of it. 
The company iias hou.ses at Hannibal, Edina, Kirksville, Quincy, and Palmyra 
The general offices were moved from Quincy to Kirksville in 1908. He is also a stock- 
liolder and president of the Savings Bank, and president of Burk Bros. Packing Com- 
pany, in which companj- he owns stock. 

;\ir. Selby u'as born ]\Iarch 17, 1862, in \\irt County, West \irginia. His ))a- 
rents were E. G. and E. M. (I)umire) Selby. He was married August 30, 188.5, to 
Ella Clay, born in Clark County, Missouri, June 24, 1863. Mrs. Selby is a daughter 
of S. P. and Emily Clay. They have seven children : Tennie, born July 24, 1886, 
now Mrs. A. J. Burk; Emma, May 13, 18S8, now Mrs. Funk; Paul O., January 20. 
1890; Jime, June 21, 1893; Lois, June 17, 1897; Eunice, August 14, 1900; Ruth, 
February 15, 1903. 

H. Selby is a liejjubiican; was for a time member of the Repul)!ican Congress- 
ional Committee, and served as Mayor of Kirksville from 1908 to 1909. He is a 
member of the Elks and the Masonic Orders, including Knights Templar and the 
Mystic Shrine. 

MARTIN E. LOVELAND, son of Richard P. and Hannah M. (Austin) Love- 
land, is a native of Dodge County, Wisconsin, born March 9, 1846. He was married 
September If), 1872, to Mary S. Boyle, who died February 3, 1892. They had six 
children: Minnie, now Mrs. Ed. Lowry; Laverna, died 1879; OlUe, now Mrs. 
Howard Smith; Stephen, now married; Jane, now Mrs. Thomas Keywood; Harri- 
son and Morton. He was again married June 3, 1895, to Sarah (Rowan) Murray, 
daughter of Alexaiider and Mary A. (Bradley) Rowan. They have no children. 

\Mien seven years old, "Sir. Loveland moved to Mercer County, Missouri, with 
his i)arents, living there till 1883, then going to Iowa, where he remained for two 
years. He next spent five years in Illinois, five years in Mercer County, Missouri, 
then wenl to Sullivan Comity, living there thirteen years. In 1903 he came to Adair 
County, wiiere lie has since lived, spending most of his time in Kirks\-il!e, where he- 
owns a spl(>ndi;l piece of property. The last year he has been farming. 

He was a member of Company D., Fiftj^-First Mi.ssoin-i, joining toward the 
olo.se of the war. Me is a member of the d. A. R. and I. O. (). F. 

SAMUEL R. LLOYD, son of .K-remiali and Frances (Jones) Lloyd, was born 
in T>ewis County, Missouri, March 17, 1860. He remained on the farm in Lewis 
County till grown, attending the public scliool and the Christian rniversity, at 
Canton, IMissouri. lie read l:(w with Anderson A- Scliofieid, of Canton, and his 
brother. Representative James T. Lloyd. lie was admitted to the bar in issl. 
Since that time he has engaged in the practice of law and nvnvspaixT work. 

;\Ir. Lloyd was married September 7, 1887. to Margaret 1.. .\llen, daughter of 
William CJ. and Susan (>hiir) .\llen. They have four children: Kathleen, twenty- 
one years old; Mildred, nineteen; Margaret, seventeen; Cornelia, fourteen. 

Mr. Lloyd is Clerk of the Committee on Accounts in the National House of 
Represent at i\-es. 



BlOCKAPinCAL. 



1)99 




700 The History of Adair T'otnty. 

MILLARD C. SHRYACK was born in McDonough County, Illinois, May 2(1, 
1S58. His parents were Marcellus and Eliza (Hus.sell) Shryack. He was married 
August 27, 1882, to Emma Z. Harrison, daughter of John W. and Liza Harrison. 
They had one child — Charles E., born June 5, 1883. Charles was married April 
22, 1905, to Dora E. Hedland. They have three children: Millard C, four years 
old; John M., two years old; Arthur, an infant. 

Mr. Shryack moved to Henry County, Missouri, with his parents in ISti;"). liv- 
ing there one year. The}' then moved to Johnson County, where he was reared. 
Mr. Shryack then went into the general merchandise business at Warren.sburg, con- 
tinuing in business there till 1905. He then came to Kirksville, Missouri, and organ- 
ized the Shryack-Thom Wholesale Grocery Company. On March 15, 1907, the 
fir, was incori)orated under the same names, the incorporation being M. C. Shry- 
ack, R. K. Thorn, E. E. Price, and C. E. Shryack. On June 1, 1910, Mr. Thom sold 
his stock to Givens Bros., of Mt. Sterling, Illinois. The capital and surplus is $70,- 
000.00. The officers are: President, C. C. Givens; Vice-President, C. E. Shryack; 
S(>cretary and Treasurer, M. C. Shryack. In 1910 they erected a handsome new buikl- 
ing, costing -132,000.00. 

CHARLES C. GIVENS was boin and reared in Brown County, Illinois. ^^ hen 
grown he went into the mercantile business, becoming a member of the firm of Given.- 
Brothers, the largest retail grocery firm in Illinois, with headquarters at Mt. Ster- 
ling. Remaining there till 1908, he came to Kirksville, Missouri, and opened a branch 
store for that firm. After continuing as manager of that firm till April, 1910, he 
sold to E. E. Price, then bought stock in the Shryack-Thom Wholesale Grocery 
Company. He spends most of his time buying for the firm, and serves as president 
of the company. He also owns two farms in Illinois, 800 acres in all. This ho own> 
in connection with his brothers. The land is situated in Brown County. 

Mr. Givens was born September 10, 1873, being a son of J. A. and Maria J. 
(Putnam) Givens. He was married September 16, 1908, to Petite Martyn, daugh- 
ter of D. T. and Susan MartA'n. They have no children. Mr. Givens belongs to the 
Masonic Order, and the Presbyterian church. 

ISAAC MANNING CROW, born September 17, 1844, in Green County, Ten- 
ntssce, is a son of Ku.ssell and Eliza Crow. He was first married to Miss Mary E. 
ConTier. There were eight children born to this union. Mrs. Crow died March 22, 
1892. On February 29, 1903, Mr. Crow married Mrs. Sarah Sweat man, who wa.- 
iM-rn in Macon County, December 24, 1846, a daujililcr of Tliomas and l<:iizabetii 
Christian. They have no children. Mrs. Crow iiad three children by her first 
marriage, all of wlioin are living. The childr(>n are Sallic, now Mrs, John K. llih, 
John and Edgar. 

Mr. Crow came to .\dair County with his i)arents in 1S53. His fatlier entered 
land near Sublette, and died there in November, 1877. Mr. Crow lived with his 
father till 1S62, when he joined Company C, 7th Missouri Cavalry. He served 
[(.ur months, after which he spent a year in Illinois and Iowa, then returned honx 
and remained with his parents till 1867. He married and went to fanning for him- 
.self. In 1871 he bought his present farm, wh(>r(> he has since lived. His f.arm was 
originally 540 acres, but he has given the boys farms, and now has only iOO acres 
left in the old home place. 

I. M. Crow is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. 



Biographical. 



701 




702 



The History of Adair County. 




y.lv. and }l\ . 1, .^i.Crow am! I'ui! 



urtheast of Kirksville 




Jicvsidcnco of H. D. Archer, 2 luiK-s northwest of (lonnelsville 



BlOdllAlMIIt'AL. 703 

H. D. ARCHER was honi in Putnam County, Missouri. November 28, 1885, 
a son of Horace and Julia AriJicr. lie was married to Lizzie lier^strom October 
2S, 1908. Mrs. Archer is a daujihter of Lars and Kizziali lieiiistrom. They liave 
one child — Harold, born February 12, Ii)l(). 

Mr. Archer has been the manafjer of a ^Pnt'ral merchandise .store at Shibley's 
Point for the past seven years, but in the sjii'inp; of 1910 moved to his farm of 100 
acres, two miles northwest of Connels\'iIl(\ He is a liepuljlican in politics and a 
Presbyterian in his rcliajion. 

ABRAM BARNHART moved to Jackson County, Iowa, in the fall of 1885, 
comiuf!; thine with his parents, Henry and Hannah (Reed) Barnhart. There he 
lived till 1857, then came to Adair County, where he has since lived. His wife came 
here the same year from Ohio. All his life he has followed the occupation of farm- 
ing and stock raising, except the last two years, having retired in the fail of 1909. 
At that time he sold his farm, moving to Brashear where he now lives. He and his 
wife, a sister of the late C. G. Cornell, own about 700 acres of land in various 
l)arts of the county. 

Mr. Barnhart was born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, March 27, 1843, where 
he lived till 1885. He was married March 7, 1865, to Lufinia Cornell, daughter of 
Clark and Louisa Cornell. Mrs. Barnhart was born in Ashland County, Ohio, Octo- 
ber 12, 1845. They had four children: Henry, born February 16, 1866; Ella, 
September 16, 1868; Etta M., February 1, 1873; Minnie, January 7, 1876. Mr. 
Barnhart is a Republican and a member of the ]\Iethotlist Episcopal church. 

GEORGE FOROUER, a native of Henderson County, Illinois, was born June 
15, 1870. He is a son of Charles and Angeline Forquer. He was married March 
23, 1892, to Maggie Jonas, daughter of Daniel and Tobit ha Jonas. They have three 
children: P^aymond Lee, born March 3, 1894; Maureta J., January 9, 1897; Ethel 
May, :May 3, 1905. 

Mr. Forquer came to Missouri in 1876, living a part of the time in Knox County 
and part of the time in Adair County. He now owns city property in Brashear, 
and is engaged in real estate, loans and insurance. . 

He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Christian church, and belongs 
to the L O. O. F. lodge. No. 522, at Brashear; also the M. W. A., No.' 4370. He is a 
loyal and respected citizen. 

CHARLES G. YOUNG was born four miles northeast of Connelsville, Adair 
County, on the home farm, February 2, 1871. He is a son of John and Mahalia 
Young. He lived at home and farmed till 1908, he and his father being partners 
in the management. " The farm was sold in 1909. In March, 1908, he went to Con- 
nelsville, purchasing the interest of J. E. Reigh in the Adair County Miners Bank. 
Mr. Reigh was cashier and Mr. Young was elected to succeed him. He has held 
the same position since that time. Before going to Connelsville he assisted in organ- 
izing the Farmers State Bank at Greentop, in which he is still a stockholder. He 
takes no active part in its management. The stockholders are principally well- 
known farmers in that section. It has a capital stock of •'115 000.00 and a surplus 
of .'i?l,S()0.()(). Its reports show splendid growth and increasing business. They 
own the building which is occupied by tlie l)ank, a cut of which is sliown in these 
l)a<j:es. 



704 



The History of Adair County. 




Old county lioiiic, near ( lihbs and cit}- residence of A. Haniliait , I5iaslicar 



Biographical. 



'05 




706 



The History of Adair County. 



"■*" 

'% 



W ': 






%;^ 



n 






if"** 






«« ' 








-J 



Some stock on farm of l-". 1). Kii-k, ."i iiiil(>s northeast of Kirksvillo 




lIcMilciicc (if l)a\iil ('nrtis, near (offor-:! 



P>I()(;UAPHICAL. 707 

p. D. KIRK, a native of Adair County, was born April 30, lcSi9. His iiaroiits 
were Joliii G. and Minerva (Sloan) Kirk. He was married December 25, 1S72, to 
Miranda E. Dunham, daughter of Elijah and Liza Dunham. They had four eliil- 
dren: Myra, born June 10, 1S75, was the wife of ^\'. M. Murfin, (hed .\()veml)er (i, 
1892; Mertie, March 10, 1877, wife of E. O. Watson; Paul D., died in infancy- 
Charles S., October G, 18S7. 

Air. !\irk was born and reared on the old Kirk farm, which he now dwiis and 
runs, lie HvcmI with his parents till twenty-five, then married. Later lie boujiht 
part of tlu^ old home place from his father, and has lived there continuously since. 
It consists of sixty-eight acres, five miles northeast of Kirksvilkv He moved to 
Kirksville in the summer of 1910. 

P. 1). Kirk belongs to an old-time family, being a descendant of the Sloans and 
Kiiks. He is a grandson of Jesse Kirk, for whom the city of Kirksville was named 

He is secretary- of the Adair County Farmers' Mutual Fire and Lightning Li 
surance Company, anil has devoted most of his time to that business for the pas 
eleven years. He is a member of the I. (). O. ¥., and belongs to the Christian chiucli' 



DAVID CURTIS was born in Ray County, Mi.ssouri, June 7, 1841, being a 
son of Samuel K. and Nancy (Gentry) Curtis. He was married November 4, 1864, 
to Mary M. Rutherford, daughter of George and Sallie (Blanchard) Rutherford- 
Mrs. Curtis was born in Perry County, Indiana, August 16, 1842, and came to Adair 
in 1854. They have eight children, five of them living: Sarah A., born August 
21, 1865, was Mrs. Sam Shoemaker, died June 8, 1899; George D., November 25, 
1867; Nancy E., January 14, 1870, was Mrs. Daniel Miller, died May 17, 1900; 
Samuel J., April 4. 1872; David A., October 14, 1874; Altha L., January 1, 1877, 
now Mrs. Benton Sullivan, of Fort Collins, Colorado; John K., June 8, 1879: Mary 
C, iXIay 26, 1882, was Mrs. Albert Boydston, died January 28, 190B. 

Mr. Curtis moved with his parents to Macon County, in 1851. He lived there 
with his parents till grown, then married and moved to this county. He lived in the 
Illinois Bend neighborhood, then went to his present farm. Eighty acres of it was 
given to his wife by her father, George Rutherford. Since then he has i)urchased 
land, and now has a tract of 360 acres, two miles northeast of Gitford. He has lived 
there continuously since 1865. He is a breeder of Polled-Angus cattle, pure bred 
Poland-China hogs, fine horses, etc. He has a splendid and well-improved farm. 

When Mr. Curtis moved to his present farm, deer, wild turkey, etc., were jilen- 
tiful on his farm, an<l he has many trophies of his hunting trips. During the war 
Mr. Curtis served for a time with the Home Guard of Macon County. Later he 
joined Company B. of this county, being the first volunteer for that company. At 
the time of the battle of Kirksville he was down near ]Macon guarding a bridge. He 
came to Kirksville next day. 

EVERETT E. NEELY was born in Sullivan County, :\Iiss()uri, March 13, 1880, 
a son of Norman B. and Henrietta Neely. He was married January 12, 1910, to 
Grace Clifton, daughter of Alexander and Rachel Clifton. They have one child — 
]Mildred G. 

Mr. Neely was reared on a farm in Sullivan Co., and farmed till twenty-four 
years of age. He then went to Stahl, where he clerked for E. E. Price. In October, 
1909, after Mr. Price sold out his business, he opened a general merchandise store at 
the same place, which he still conducts. He is a Democrat in jiolitics. 



708 Thp: History of Adair County. 

JOHN C. YOUNG was born four miles northeast of Connelsville, on the old 
homestead, February 11, 1873. He is a son of John and Mahalia Young. He was 
married February 17, 1895, to Rebacca Hatfield, daughter of W. H. and Susan Hat- 
field. They have one child— Beulah Hazel, born July 17, 1897. 

Mr. Young lived at holne till twenty-two, then married and for five years lived 
and farmed on the home place. Three years longer he farmed, then moved to Con- 
nelsville, Missouri, and went into the mercantile business, where he is yet engaged. 
He is now part owner and manager of the Connelsville Supply Company, a big in- 
stitution with two large rooms, handling a general line of dry goods, groceries, hard- 
ware, etc. They have built up a large business. 

He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and M. W. A. lodges, and Democratic in poli- 
tics. His wife belongs to the Baptist church. They own a pretty home. 

JOHN FEGLEY, a native of Northinnberland County, Pennsylvania. He 
was born March 24, 1844, a son of David and Elizabeth Fegley. On September 6, 
1875, he married Josephine Harry. They have three children: Anna, now Mrs. 
Charles Gillaspie, was born July 2, 1876; Sarah E., now Mrs. John Gillaspie, Octo- 
ber 28, 1879; Mary, now Mrs. E. L. Griffith, July 27, 1884. 

Mr. Fegley came to Adair County with his parents in 1848. He has lived hei-e 
since, with the exception of three years spent in Illinois. He lived in the north part 
of the county till 1876, when he moved to where he now lives, five miles northwest 
of Kirksville. He and his father own 100 acres there. He has always engaged in 
farming. 

He was a member of the State Mihtia during the war. He is a Republican. 

DAVID FEGLEY, a native of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, was 
born December 17, 1820, a son of Cunis and Margaret S. Fegley. He was united 
in marriage June 13, 1843, to Elizabeth Brown, who died January 9, 1881. They 
had thirteen children, only three of whom are living: John, Adam, and David, Jr. 
John and David live in this county, and Adam in Illinois. 

Mr. Fegley came to Adair County in 1848. He has lived here since, and been 
engaged in farming. He owns a farm of 100 acres, five miles northwest of I\irks- 
ville, where he and his son, John Fegley, now live. 

He served in the State Militia during the war. 

JAMES C. GUILE, son of Andrew and Susan (Wishard) Guile, was born March 

27, 1851, in Davis County, Iowa. He lived with his parents on the farm in Iowa, 
where he was born, till twenty years old, then came to this county. He remained 
here a short time, then returned to Iowa, where he lived and farmed till 1880. He 
again came to this county, and about two years later purchased the farm where he 
has since lived. It consists of eighty acres, two and one-half miles northeast of 
Kirksville. The farm is well improved and the home is pretty. He does general 
farming and stock raising. 

Mr. Guile was united in marriage January 0, 1872, with Talitha Aggoft, who 
died in 1888. They had two children: Delia, now Mrs. John liruson, born October 

28, 1874; Carl, May 6, 1878. He was again married May 24, 1899, to Anna MeM- 
grew, daughter of Jackson and Nellie (Walters) Megrew. They had two children: 
Pearl M., born February 24, 1900; Minnie Pauline, September 25, 1904. 

Mr. Guile is a Democrat and belongs to the Christian church. 



Biographical. 



709 



o 



c 




710 



The History of Adair County. 




David Fciilcv, his son John, and wifp and thoir homo 4 miles N. W. of Kirksville 




Rcsidonf-e of J. C. (luilf>, 2 1-2 miles northeast of l\'irks\ill 



Bl()(iKAl'IIl('AI.. 711 

DR. JOB T. DODSON, son of Knmcis M. and I'lliza ( WiHiainsi I^odson, was 
born at rnionvillo, Missouri, April 10, IS79. He was united in inarriajic October 
14, 1907, to Howena M. Younji, daujihlcr of Piobert and ]>uey V. (Painter) Voun^. 
They have two children; l''raiicis P., l)orn December 2S, lOOS; Virginia M., Jan- 
usry 10, 1911. 

Dr. Dodson lived at Unionville til! jirowii, altendiiiji the public schools. He 
was a student tor two years at the Columbia, School of Osteopathy; one year at the 
American School of Osteopathy; took a third year coui'se at the S. S. Still School of 
Ost<'opathy at Des Moines, Iowa; then took a course in medicine at the Eclectic 
Medical University at Kansas City, graduating in 1904. He i)racticed at Trenton 
one year, then came to Kirksville, where he has since lived and practiced his pro- 
fession. Dr. Dodson has built of a bie; practice at Kirksville. 

He owns an extensive farm in Colorado, one in Sullivan County, Missouri, and 
land in Oklahoma, and is interested in other bu.siiuss enterprises. He is a Demo- 
crat in politics, and belongs to the Masonic, 1. O. (). F. and Elk lodges. 

LUTHER M. WILLIS was born Xovember 20, 1S57, in .\dair Coimty, being 
a son of D. C. and Fannie Willis. He was married October 1, 1882, to Susa D. Hib- 
bard, daughter of William and Susan Hibbard. She died January 30, 1892. They 
had three children: Maurice E., born Octolx'r .>, 1884, lives at Rupert, klaho; 
Nina E., June 2, 1886, now ^.Irs. David E. Riley, of Heyburn, Idaho; C.ertrude A., 
May 5, 1888, now Mrs. John B. Young, of Delta, Colorado. 

Mr. Willis was reared on a farm three and one-half miles northeast (jf Kirks- 
\'ille, on which he now lives. By the time he was grown his mother had died and his 
father was in bad health, so he remained at home and took charge of the farm. After 
his marriage he and his wife still continued to take care of his father, and aftei- his 
death purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old home place. He was there- 
fore born and has spent all his life on the same farm. His father came to Adair Coim- 
ty and settled on this place in 1855, living there till his death, Jun(> 17, 1S82. He 
was a native of Virginia. 

Mr. AMllis is a member of the I. O. O. F. and M. \\ . A. lodges. 

PROFESSOR EDWARD M. GOLDBERG, musical director of the Pichard 
Wagner Conservatory of Music and Languages, was born in Luegde, Prussia, in 
1850. When twelve years old, he entered the Liceum at Hanover, also attending 
the School of Music. In 1865 he entered the college at Muenster, \\'estfalia, com- 
])leting the course in 1869. He next entered the University of \\uerzbiu-g, taking 
work in the department of philology, and a year later continued his studies at the 
University of Leipzig, also attending the Royal Conservatory of Music. In 1872 
he came to America, locating in Chicago, where he established a private school for 
the study of modern and classical languages and music. In 1874 he located in Wash- 
ington, also teaching the same year in Cincinnati, whei-e he was tutor of the daugh- 
ter of Mrs. Allen. After four years he became a professor of modern languages at 
the college at Westfield, Illinois, where he established a musical department. In 
1883 he served in the same capacity at Grand River College at Austinburg, Ohio, 
where he married Miss Nettie Pierce, a [)rominent teacher. In 1885 he was engaged 
as head of the musical department of Stephens Female College at Columbia, Mis- 
souri. Her(> liis wife was at the same time teacher of Latin, German and French. 
They lived here for eight years. .After the death of I he jM-esidenl of the college, 



712 



The History of Adair County. 




J. T. Dodson, M. D., L). <)., Iviiksvillc 



Biographical 



713 




Residence uf JJr. J. 'I. Dud.son, Kirk.--vil 




Residence of L. M. W'\\\\<, 3 1-2 miles i-ortlicust of Kirksvillc 



714 The History of Adair County. 

Professor Goldberg caiiic to Kirksville, Missouri, where he estabhshed the Richard 
Wagner Conservatory- of Music and Languages. During its existence this school 
has been attended by no less than two thousand students, from various states, some 
coming even from Xi'w Mexico. The musical graduates of this institution are teach- 
ing in ladies' seminaries and private schools, as well as privately, and are considered 
very able tc:ichers. 

W. B. CURRY was born in Callaway County, Missouri, November 9, 1871, 
being a son of John J. and Martha E. Curry. He was married Augxist 11, 1896, to 
Etna A. Kelso, daughter of John M. and Lucy Etna Kelso. They have three chil- 
dren: Marion 1^:., born January 27, 1902; William B., February 21, 190.3; Harold 
K.. January 9, 1910. 

Mr. Curry received his education in the public schools of Callaway County. 
He took three years' work in the First District Normal School, also three years' 
work at the William Jewell College. In 1905 he graduated from the American School 
of Osteopathy. His wife is also a graduate of that institution. He has been a very 
.successful real estate bu.siness man. In politics he is a Democrat. In 1907 he was 
elected alderman in a strong Republican ward. He was chairman of the executive 
connnittee that had cliarge of the erection of the new Baptist church; and was also 
prominent in bringing the shoe factory to Kirksville — in fact, is constantly working 
for the interest of Kirksville. He is afhliatetl with the Masonic, K. of P., B. P. O. 
E. and ~\'eoman lodges. 

A. L. STORY is a native of Adair County, Missouri, born July .'50, 18G0. His 
parents were Alfred and Gertrude Story. He was married September 4, 1884, to 
Cora B. Wheat craft, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca Wheatcraft. They have 
four children: Ruth, born April 24, 1886; Stanley, March 14, 1890; Doris, De- 
cember 15, 1891; Paul, September 25, 1893. 

Mr. Story owns two farms, having 220 acres of land in all. Ilis land is well 
im[)roved and he is a breeder of thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle, Poland-China hogs, 
fine horses, etc. He is a Republican in politics. He lives near Willmathville. 

ED. RORABAUGH was born on a farm cast of Kirksville, Missouri, in Salt 
Pdver Township. He was educated in the public schools of Adair County. When 
nineteen years old he came to Kirksville, working at contracting and paper hanging. 
He learned telegraphy and, in connection with Mrs. J. Hungerford, coiifhicted a 
school for seven years. He served as drug clerk for A\'. II. Smith for some time, 
later becoming bookkeeper for Dr. E. C. Callison. In 1908 he was elected Circuit 
Clerk, being re-elected in 1910 to th(> .same position. 

He is a Republican, a member of the Methodist chuich, and is atilliateil with 
the Masonic, I. O. O. I''., Woodman, Yeoman and Redman lodges, serving as sec- 
retary to Kirksville Lodge, No. 4(54, B. P. O. E. 

C. M. CODY was born in Adair County, Mis.souri, P'ebruary 7, 187(i. He was 
united .in marriage to Dorothy Miller, daughter of Abraham and Harriett Miller, 
.\l)ril 13, 1903. They have two children: Edith, born .\ugust 14, 1905; Aileen, 
May 13, 190S. Mr. Cody owns a fine farm of 120 acres, near .\dair, where he has 
always resided. He eng:iges in general farming and .'^tock raising. He is a Repub- 
lican in jioliJics and a Catholic in his religion. 



BlOGHAPHICAL. 



15 




rt 



o 




716 



The History of Adair County. 




BlOGRAPrflCAL. 



717 



p:i 




718 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 7U) 

F. GROVE LOWRANCE, .son of Walter and Anmer (Tovvlcs) Lowrancc, was 
horn in Adair County, Alis.souri, P'obruary S, 1885. He was united in inarriafjc 
October 80, 1905. to Carda Archer, daujihter of Jolni and Linda fStepiiensj Arciier. 
Tliej' have one child — Pauline, born December 20, l<)()7. 

Mi-. Lowrance was reared on a farm, six and one-half miles northeast of Kirks- 
\i'le, where he lived till grown. After his marriage he farmed three years, then 
m )ved to Kirksville, Missouri. He worked at the painters' trade till 1910, at which 
time he was elected County Recorder by a majority of 889 votes, in spite of the fact 
tliat the coimty is normally about 700 He])ublican. He is a Democi'at. 

GEORGE W. BARGER, the merchant of Sperry, was born in Adams County, 
Illinois, March 2S, ISOS. His parents' names were Daniel and Martha Barger. 
He married Lulu Bown December 29, 1907. They have one child — Neva Elizabeth, 
born January 19, 1908. Mr. Barger was born and reared on a farm in Illinois. In 
1890 he moved to Adair County, Missouri, where he engaged in farming for a short 
tiiue, then went to Colorado and other Western points, being gone from this county 
one year. AVhen he returned he went into the general merchandise business at Sperry, 
where he is at present engaged. He handles all kinds of merchandise, including 
farm implements and machinery. He owns his store building and residence in Sperry. 

MATTHIAS FISHER is a native of Hancock County, Illinois. He was born 
Sojitember 24, 1840, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Fisher. He was married Decem- 
ber 15, 1867, to Eliza N. Cotton, who died March 7, 1898. They had one child- 
Francis Marion, born January 15, 1870, and died in Knox Comity, April 14. 1894. 
He was again married in March, 1899, to Ida May Maddox. He was married the 
last time December 24, 1906, to Nancy J. Duggin. They have no children. 

Mr. Fisher is a member of Norcross Post, G. A. R., Novelty, Missouri. He 
siMved three years in 91st Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and took part in many import- 
ant battles, among which are the following engagements: Spanish Fort, Alabama; 
Mobile, Whistler, Alabama; Morganzie's Bend, Louisiana; Bacon Creek, Kentucky. 
He owns a farm of 150 acres near the county line, north of La Plata. 

Mr. Fisher is Republican in politics. 

I. A. NOVINGER, a native of Adair County, Missouri, was born October 10, 
1867, being a son of George W. and Mary J. Novinger. He was married May 19, 
1887, to Mary A. Miley, daughter of John and Mary E. Miley. They have six chil- 
dren: Grace Edna, born July 19, 1890; Clifford Isaac, August 4, 1892; Ermine 
Ophelia, December 31, 1894; George John, February 15, 1898; Glen Weslie, Sep- 
tember 5, 1900; Mary Leonia, March 26, 1905. 

Mr. Novinger moved to his present farm, known as the Elm Grove Stock Farm, 
March 7, 1901. The farm was originally the Ben Kerns farm, containing about 
280 acres. The land has been rented for a number of years, and was very much 
run down. Thej^ now have 640 acres of as fine land as can be found in the county. 
The residence is a two-story brick building containing eleven rooms, strictly modern 
throughout, having a large furnace, gas plant, hot and cold water, bath, and every 
convenience of a citj' residence. He makes a specialty of raising registered Percheron 
horses. Shorthorn cattle, Poland-China hogs. Mammoth Bronze turkeys, and Ply- 
mouth Rock chickens. The farm is ideal for raising fine stock. 

He is a Democrat, a member of the Presbyterian church, atul belongs to the 
Masonic, I. O. O. F. and M. W. A. lodges. 



720 



The History of Adair County. 




F. (hove Lowraiu'o, County Keconlcr, Kiiksvillc 



BlOGKAPHICAL. 



721 




Kesidenr'c and Store of G. W. Barc;or, Sporry 



722 



The History of Adair County. 




BlOCUAPHICAL. 



723 




Scene at Elm Grove Stock Farm and residence of I. A. Novinger, 
2 1-2 miles north of Kirksville 



724 The History of Adair County. 

ALBERT HERREN, :i native of Canada, was born November 20, 1850, a son 
of James antl Elizabeth (Liscom) Herren. Though born in Canada, when but a baby 
he moved with his parents to IlUnois. Here he remained on a farm until 1872, when 
he moved to Adair Coimty, where he has since lived and farmed. He owns a farm 
of 320 acres, southwest of Kirksville. The place where they live joins Mrs. Herren's 
home and belongs to her. It consists of 305 acres, with one of the most beautiful 
homes in the county. She also owns 24.5 acres in Knox County. They do no active 
farming, all their land being leased. 

Albert Herren was united in marriage February 16, 1904, to Peoria Dowdy, a 
daughter of Jefferson J. and ISIary (Atterberry) Dowdy. She was born in Macon 
County, November 24, 1860, coming to this county the same year. They have no 
children. By a former marriage Mrs. Herren had three children: Annie L., nov/ 
Mrs. Pearl Graham, of Whittier, California; George, of Washington; Mary A., 
now Mrs. Charles See, of Sycamore, Illinois. 

Mr. Herren is a Republican, and a member of the Christian cliurch. 

THOMAS FARLEY, a native of Quincy, Illinois, is a son of James and Bridget 
Farley, born September 9, 1861. He was married October 2, 1889, to Agnes Welch, 
daughter of William and Bridget Welch. They have three children: Catherine, 
born June 1, 1890; Leo, December 28, 1897; Mary, June 11, 1900. Mrs. Farley 
died August 17, 1905. 

Mr. Farley came to Adair County, Missouri, with his parents in 1868, and lived 
with them till grown. He then married and began farming for himself. Mr. Farley 
has always followed the occupation of farming, and now owns 140 acres of well-im- 
proved land, eight miles northwest of Brashear. He is a Democrat and a member 
of the Catholic church. 

W. T. GORDON, a native of Pike County, Ohio, was born June 2, 1865, be- 
ing a son of Cornelius \Y. and Sarah H. Gordon. He was married January 11, 1891, 
to Julia A. Cornell, daughter of Michael and Julia Connell. They have three chil- 
dren: Agnes E., born May IS, 1892; E. Grace, January 28, 1895; J. Cornelia, 
May 8, 1898. Mr. Gordon owns a farm of eighty acres, situated near Gibbs, on 
the Santa Fe railroad. He does general farming and stock raising. He has lived 
in Adair County, Missoiu'i, since coming here with his parents in 1868. Mr. Gordon 
is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Catholic church. 

JAMES E. GOODWIN, a native of Perquimans County, North Carolina, was 
born December 14, 1867, a son of John W. and Mary E. (Norcomb) Goodwin. He 
was married November 25, 1891, to Blanche A. Owings, daughter of John R. and 
Antina Owings. They have one child — Ralph E., born February 24, 1895. 

Mr. Goodwin lived at home in North Carolina till fifteen years old, then went 
to Philadelphia. He began his career there as stock boy for Super-Jones & Company, 
remaining with them six years. They then retired from business. He was pro- 
moted to floor manager, then put on the road as traveling sal(>sman. Soon after 
the retirement of Super-Jones & Company, he went v.'ith Young-.Smilh, I'ield & Com- 
pany, as general salesman. While traveling for this company, in 1898, he came to 
Kirksville and in connection with William A. Ryon opened the Grand Leader. Mr. 
Goodwin continued traveling I ill 1900, wiicn lie gave up that work to devote his 
entire attenti(jn to his store. Three years later he purchased Mr. Ryon's interest, 



BlOGKAPHICAL. 



725 




lu'.sideiicf ut' All>i'il llenen, 10 miles southwest of Kirksvil 




Residence of '1 hoiiuis Farley, near x\<lair 



726 



The History of Adair County. 







Biographical. 



727 




Interior of the Grand Leader, both floors, Kirksville 



728 The History of Adair County 

and has since conducted the store himself. He has two large floors and handles 
dry-goods, shoes, ready-made garments, ets. 

He was elected vice-president of the Business Men's I>eague for a time, and 
later president. He was unanimously elected five times, refusing to accept it longer. 
He was president of that organization at the time the shoe factory was brought here, 
and was largely instrumental in bringing the matter to a successful conclusion. Mr. 
Good\vin has taken a deep interest in public improvements. He belongs to the 
M. W. A., K. of P. and Elks lodges. 

LAWRENCE W. VANDIVER was born in Knox County, Missouri, November 
19, 1868, a son of Newton and Helen (ShatT) \'andiver. He was married December 
28, 1898, to Eva Nett, daughter of James and Sarah (McClanahan) Nett. They 
have one child — Lawrence Paul, born October 4, 1903. 

Mr. Vandiver came to Adair County when but four years old. His parents 
moved on a farm and he lived with them till grown. After his marriage he moved 
to Macon County, Missouri, and engaged in farming. In July, 1908, he came to 
Kirksville, purchasing the old Kinnear harness business, which he still owns and 
conducts. He is a Republican and belongs to the I. O. O. F., M. W. A., K. of P. and 
Elks lodges. 

DR. WARREN HAMILTON, son of Henry S. and Margaret Hamilton, was 
born in Knox County, Missouri, July 15, 1869. He was married October 24, 1893, 
to Mae De Witt, daughter of Joseph and EUzabeth De Witt. They have one child 
— Arthur, born August 1, 1896. 

Dr. Hamilton remained on the farm in Knox County until fifteen years old, 
when he came to Kirksville. He worked at various occupations for a few years, 
and farmed for a short time. He graduated at the Kirksville High School in 1886, 
then took a course at the Missouri State Normal School at Kirksville. Going to 
St. Louis, he traveled for a stationery company, later going into the insurance and 
loan business at Kirksville. He attended the American School of Osteopathy, and 
in 1898 took entire charge of the business interests of that school, later being made 
secretary and treasurer. In the meantime he read law, and was admitted to the 
bar in 1896. He did not enter the practice, however, but devoted his time to 
the duties of his position with the school. 

Dr. Hamilton died at his home in Kirksville, August 2, 1911. 

CORNELIUS W. GORDON was born in Pike County, Ohio. January 6, 1845, 
a son of William V. and Maria Gordon. Me engaged in farming in that state till 
1867, when he moved to Adair County, wlu^c he has since resided and followed the 
occupation of farming. Mr. Gordon owns a well-improved farm of eighty acres 
near Brashear. He is a breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Rhode Island Red diickens. 

Mr. (iordon and Miss Sarah H. Taylor, daughter of Samuel and Mary Taylor, 
were united in marriage August 25, 1863. They liad seven children: William T., 
born June 2, 1865; Charles E., November 12, 186G; Anna F., December 15, 1869; 
Jessie R., December 5, 1872; Ella E., December 12, 1S94; Callie I., June 30, 1878; 
Harry G., November 5, 1881. 

Mr. Gordon is a Democrat in politics, a member of the Methodist church, and 
belongs to the Masonic Order, Number 319, Brashear. 



Biographical. 



729 




730 



The History of Adair Coitnty 




Biographical. 



731 





732 The History of Adair County. 

HARRY C. McCAHAN, son of Thomas and Sarah L. (Cannon) McCalum, 
was born September 27, 1861, at Huntington, Pennsylvania. He was married Ai)ril 
14, 1896, to Belle Travers, daughter of Judge H. C. and Ellen Travers. They have 
no f'hildren. 

Mr. McCahan hved in Pennsylvania till 1886, attending school at WiUiamsport 
and Birmingham, Pennsylvania, then came to Kirksville, where he went into the 
coal mine operating business. He has been engaged in that business continuously 
since. He owns two very productive mines at Stahl, and is interested in various 
other business enterprises. He helped to organize the local electric light company, 
owned a majority of the stock, and managed the comi)any almost from the begin- 
ning till he sold out his interests in 1908. 

Mrs. McCahan comes from a very noted family, and is an author of note. She 
has written extensively for newspapers and magazines. She is the author of several 
books whicli have attained wide popularity and sale, among them the "Preshus 
Child." 

JAMES BOWN was born on the Atlantic Ocean, December 27, 1841, while 
his parents were emigrating from England to Burlington, Iowa. He is a son of Jo- 
seph and Elizabeth Bown. After emigrating to this country Mr. Bown remained at 
Burlington, Iowa, until October 10, 1861, then enlisted in Company K, 14th Iowa 
Regiment, and served three years. He participated in the battles of Fort Donald- 
son, Shiloh, Corinth, Pleasant Hill, Tupelo, and other minor engagements. 

Mr. Bown was married November 19, I860, to Elizabeth Ratliff, daughter of 
Thomas and Sarah Ratliff. They had six children, five of whom are living: Sarah 
Ahce, born August 9, 1866, now Mrs. John Ely; Mary Ann Florence, June 4, 1868, 
now Mrs. Ira Furnace; William Thomas, May 8, 1870; Lulu, December 14, 1875, 
now Mrs. George W. Barger; Jennie May, May 1, 1881, now Mrs. Charlie Lorton; 
Ida Pearl, December 14, 1875 (deceased). 

James Bown owns a fine farm of 140 acres, eight miles northeast of Kirksville. 
He is Republican in politics, and a member of Corporal Dix Post, G. A. R. 

WARNER HANKS, son of Wesley and Mary Hanks, was born October 21, 
1862, in Adair County, Missouri. He was married March 21, 1883, to Angie Sub- 
lette, daughter of Joseph and Mary Sublette. They have four children: Cyrus 
A., born Ajml 14, 1885, now teaching in Washington; Myrtle, December 20, 1887; 
Virgil. March 28, 1893; Leland, Janu.ary 20, 1897. 

Mr. Hanks owns a farm of 374 acres situated in Wilson township, where he has 
lived for twenty years. He is a prominent farmer and a member of the board of 
school directors in his district. He is a member of the Christian church. 

JOHN D. SMOOT was born in Scotland County, Missouri, October 18, 1848, 
being a son of Edward and Harriett Smoot. He was married October 18, 1873, to 
Aima D. lowing, at Morgan, Kentucky, who died December 24, 1891. She was a 
(laughter of Milton and Nancy Ewing. They had seven children, five of whom are 
living: Dr. John D., born August 21, 1874, lives at Zartman, Montana; Thomas 
B., .May 2(), 1876, died in 1882; Ewing, June 10, 1878, lives at Myuma, Nevada; 
Hud.-^on v., February 14, 1880, now a lawyer at Memphis, Missouri, and elected 
Prosecuting Attorney of Scotland County at a recent election; Bessie M., April 2, 
1882, is DOW Mrs. William H. GotT, and lives at Memphis, Missouri; one child, Car- 
son B.. born in 1.S84, died a year later; Hallis A., September 18, 1889, lives at Mem- 



Biographical. 



733 



c 



n 




734 



The History of Adair County. 




(J 



Biographical. 



735 




II. C'. McCnhun's .Store Buildine; and Mine at Stalil 



736 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 



737 



I 




738 The History of Adair County. 

phis. Mr. Smoot wus married the second time July IS, 190.5, to Miss Lottie G. 
Pullian, (nee Bain), daughter of Los Bain. They have one child, Harriett E. 

Mr. Smoot was reared on a farm, remaining there till grown. He attended the 
public school, also took a course in law at the law department of the Washington 
I'niversity, at St.. Louis. He was admitted to the bar at St. Louis, April 1, 1871, 
and entered the practice at his old home at Memphis, remaining there continuously 
till December, 1908. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney in 1872, the first County 
Attorney of that county, and was again elected to that position in 1874. In 190S 
he came to Kirksville, Missouri, and formed a partnership with J. A. Cuoley. 

He is a member of the K. of P. lodge. He and his wife belong to the Presbyterian 
chinrh. 

JOHN SADDLER is a native of Bavaria, Germany, born October 17, 1843. 
He came to America with his parents, Julius and Maria (Wolfe) Sadler, and settled 
in Ohio. In one year they went to Iowa, where they lived for five years. In 1859 
they came to Missouri, living in St. Louis for five years, then going to Hannibal, 
where they lived fifteen years. John Sadler came to Adair County in 1879 and 
bought his present farm, three miles west of Gifford, in this county. He has 400 
acres where he lives, also eighty acres in Macon County, and 140 acres in the State 
of Washington. He handles Polled-Angus cattle, Poland-China hogs, and fine horses. 

Mr. Sadler was married INIay 7, 1865, to Sarah Ackles. They had six children, 
four of whom are living. 

Mr. Sadler is a stockholder and director in the Bank of Gifford, also in the Gif- 
ford Tile Factory. He is a Republican, and was a member of the Missouri State 
Militia during the war. 

JOHN M. McCALL was born in Brown County, Ohio, December 16, 1844, a 
son of James and Catherine McCall. He came to Missouri with his father in the 
spring of 1864, when but a young man, and assisted his father in raising a crop in 
Monroe Coimty. In the fall of that year he joined Company F., 39th Missouri 
Volunteer Infantry, and served with distinction till the close of the war, when he re- 
turned to Knox County, this state, where he engaged in farming for a few years. 
He then studied law and was admitted to the bar in that countj' in 1875. He prac- 
ticed his profession there till 1883, serving one term as prosecuting attorney, from 
1879 to 1881. In 1883 he came to Kirksville, where he has since lived and practiced 
his profession. In 1890 he was supervisor for taking the United States census in 
the fifth distri(!t of Missouri. He also served as Mayor of the City of Kirksville 
for one term and has held many other positions of honor and trust. 

Mr. McCall is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Masonic orders and of Corporal 
Dix Post, No. 22, G. A. R., Kirksvill<>. He is a devoted member of the Methodist 
church. 

Mr. McCall was married to Mary J. Hickman, of Knox Coimty, Missouri, De- 
cember 6, 1866. They had five children: Morgan IL, born April 18, 1869; ?]dgar 
O., August 24, 1871. He died October 18, 1872. Metta JVI., January 30, 1872; 
Charles B., March 23, 1878; Conna V., October 4, 1882. Mrs. McCall died Octo- 
ber 27, 1889. He was again married to Mary F. Greiner, of this county, August 
17, 1892. They have no children. 



BlOtiRAPHICAL. 



739 



^ 




740 



The History of Adair County, 




Joliii M. MeCall ;uul wife, Kirksville 



Biographical. 741 

WILLIAM H. BELL, a son of John and Nancy Bell, was born in Cass County, 
Illinois, March o, IS.')!. He came to Adair County, Missouri with his iiarents in 
1S.57. On coming; here his father entered land near Millard, also ciu;hty acres of and 
known as the old Bell homestead. Later he piu'chased land adjoininj^ this, u part 
of tlu> tract now owned by George Bell. Mr. Bell bought his present farm, consist- 
ing of 110 acres, three miles south of Kirksville, in 1882. The farm is a splendid one, 
with modern improvements and a pretty home. The house is said to be the first 
one in the county to have a slate roof. Besides this he owns 110 acres two miles west 
of the home place. He is an extensive breeder of Polled-Angus cattle. He is a stock- 
holder and director in the National Bank of Kirksville. In politics he is Republican. 
Mrs. Maggie Bell, a sister and also a native of Adair County, makes her home with 
him. 

GRANT HARLESS, son of Frank M. and Elvina Harless, was born in Put- 
nam County, ^lissouri, October 9, 1868. He was married December 24, 1889, to 
Eliza Palmer, who died August 29, 1904. They had three children: Fred, born 
March 6, 1891; Earl, December 24, 1892; Ray, October 7, 189(5. He was again 
married March 29, 1911, to Vennie E. Maas, a widow, daughter of J. P. Lawson. 

Mr. Harless was reared on a farm in Putnam County, followed the occupation 
of farming in that county till 1901, then went to Oklahoma, remaining two years. 
In 1903 he came to Adair County, Missouri, where he has since lived and been en- 
gaged in farming. He also travels at odd times for the K. K. K. Medicine Company. 
He was elected road overseer of the district where he lived in 1905, and has since 
continuously served in that capacity, being regarded as one of the best in the county. 
He lives on the Jasper Abernathy farm, one and one-half miles west of Stahl. 

Mr. Harless is a Republican and belongs to the I. O. O. F. and Redmen frater- 
nities. 

MILTON J. BOZARTH, a native of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, remained in 
his native state till twenty-one years old, then came to Missouri where he joined 
the Confederate forces, being a member of Capt. John Casey's Company raised in 
Washington County. A few months after joining, he was taken prisoner and kept 
at Cape Girardeau about a year. He then took the oath, was released, and came to 
Adair Count}', where he has lived most of the time since. In 1864 he went to Ne- 
braska and remained till 1874, then returned to Adair County, where he has since 
lived. He owns a farm of 172 acres, two and one-half miles northwest of Pure Air. 
He has always been a farmer. 

Mr. Bozarth was born July 29, 1839, being a son of Dr. Alfred M. and Minerva 
Bozarth. He was married December 26, 1862, to Lucy Bozarth, daughter of Milton 
J. and Julia A. Bozarth. Mrs. Bozarth is a native of Howard County, Missouri, 
born February 5, 1843, and came to Adair County with her parents in 1848. They 
had eight children: Mary H., born July 7, 1863, died August 15, 1863; Julia F., 
November 16, 1864, now Mrs. Abel Scofield; Robert M., August 11, 1867, died 
October 30, 1908; Minnie L., July 29, 1871, died January 15, 1873; Lizzie A., No- 
vember 15, 1873, died December 25, 1874; Henry C, August 15, 1880; Harriet G., 
September 25, 1883, died January 23, 1896; Fred D., December 27, 1877. 

Mr. Bozarth is a Democrat and served as Justice of the Peace of Liberty town- 
ship for a few years. He is a member of the Christian church. 



742 



The History of Adair County. 




Residence of Williain H. Bell, 3 miles south of Kirksville 





O o 








Grant llarless with road fiiader, near Stahl 



BlOGKAPHlCAL. 



748 



S) 



a 















744 The History of Adair County. 

HENRY H. BARNHART, u native of Adair County, was born and reared on 
a farin near ^^'ilt^on Town, where he lived with his parents till sixteen years old. He 
then went to Brashear and worked in a store for C. G. Cornell for a number of years, 
leter soing into the mercantile business there for himself. He owns and conducts 
the store formerly owned by Mr. Cornell, also assisted in managing Mr. Cornell's 
extensive business interests. The building he occupies is a historic one, being one 
of the first stores erected in that section, and moved to Brashear from Paul Town. 
For twenty-nine years Mr. Barnhart has been in business at Brashear continuously 
— longer than any other man now in business at that place. 

Mr. Barnhart was born near old Wilson Town February 16, 1866, being a son 
of A. and Lufina (Cornell) Barnhart. He was married July 12, 1905, to Linnie Bea- 
ton, daughter of Merideth Deaton. By a former marriage he has two children: 
Ella Cleone and Clinton Vere. He is a Republican, and belongs to the Masonic 
and I. O. O. F. fraternities. 

ELIJAH WILLGOX (deceased) was a native of Ohio, and was born in Darke 
County, of that state, March IS, 1839. He came to Adair County in 18o7. He 
followed farming for a few years and then v/ent into the mercantile business at Kirks- 
ville, and was in that business continuously till 1881. He then returned to farming, 
owning a farm just south of Kirksville, between the city and what is now Ownljey's 
Lake. He resided there till his death, January 12, 1902. He was one of the best 
known men in the county and was held in the highest esteem. 

He was married December 24, 1864, to Louisa Armacost. They had five chil- 
dren, only two of whom are living: Dr. C. M. C. Willcox and Mrs. Phoebe A. Her- 
ron, both of them residing in Kirksville. Mrs. Willcox died April 30, 1874. 

WILLIAM G. BIBEE came to Adair County, Missouri, with his parents, Pres- 
ton D. and Maria (Green) Bibee, in 1858, settling near where he now lives. His 
father lived there till his death. Mrs. Bibee's father died at the same time that 
her husband's father died. They were buried at the same time and in the same cem- 
etery. Her father came here from Illinois in 1845. 

Mr. Bibee lived at home on the farm till grown, then went to farming for him- 
self. He has followed that occupation all his life. At present he owns a farm of 
158 acres. Mrs. Bibee owns three lots and a good residence property in Kirksville. 
Mr. Bibee is a breeder of Galloway cattle, Poland-China hogs and Percheron horses. 
In politics he is a Republican. 

CHARLES D. THOMPSON is a native of Washington County, Indiana, born 
October 12, 1857. His parents were Robert and Martha (Tadlock) Thompson. 
When eight years old he moved with his parents to Illinois, remaining there till 1868. 
The family then moved to this county. In 1892 Mr. Tiiomj^son bought his present 
farm where he ha.> .since lived. It consists of 248 1-2 acres, well improved. They 
have a pretty home. 

Mr. Thompson was united in marriage February 3, 1884, to Anna Grimm, daugh- 
ter of Joseph and I'^lmira Grimm. Mrs. Thompson is also a native of Indiana, born 
August 19, 1860. They have four children: E. Lena, born November 8, 1884; 
Lulu M., December 5, 1886, now Mrs. Allan E. Mosher, of Fort Smith, Arkansas; 
Samuel E., August 14, 1892; Alonzo R., June 20, 1894. 

Charles Thompson is a member of the Repviblican party and the Methodist 
cliurch. 



Biographical. 



745 




Henry Barnhart's Store, Brashear, INlr. Barnhart and the late C. G.Cornell on porch 




Mr. Elijah Willcox, father of Dr. C. M. C. Willcox 



746 



The History of Adair County. 




Residence ;ui(l Hum of Win. G. Bibee, iieai- Shihlev'.s Point 



Biographical. 



'47 




Residence an 



d Bain of C. D. Thompson, 4 miles south of Kirksville 



748 The History of Adair County, 

JASPER J. ABERNATHY waw l)orn and grew to manhood on a farm just 
south of where he now hves. He has farmed all his life, except two years spent in 
coal mining. He has always lived at Stahl. At present he owns a farm of 154 acres, 
one and one-half miles southwest of that place. He is a breeder of Shorthorn cattle, 
Berkshire hogs and Shropshire sheep. His father was a native of Iowa, coming to 
Adair County just before the war. His mother was a native of Adair County. Both 
his father and mother are now dead. 

Mr. Abernathy was born February 9, 1874, a son of James M. and Elizabeth 
(Walters) Abernathy. He was married May 10, 1895, to Mae A. Huffman, daugh- 
ter of David and Mary Huffman. They have three children: Ellen Nora, born 
December 2, 1896; Flow Pauline, December 28, 1908; Jesse J., August 2, 1905. 

He is a Republican and belongs to the United Mine ^^'orkers' lodge. 

WILLIAM YOUNG was reared on the old Young homestead, near Youngs- 
town, remaining home and helping run the farm till grown. He was born June 6, 
1866, a son of George and Elizabeth (Sharr) Y'oung. He was married January 29, 
1898, to Carrie M. Lance, daughter of J. W. and Barbara Lance. They had five 
children: Gladys, born October 31, 1899; Arthur V., January 23, 1901; William 
Audrey, February 23, 1905; Anna Ruth, September 25, 1908; Nina B., February 
3, 1911. 

Mr. Young was educated in the public schools. When married he bought his 
present farm, consisting of 332 acres, one and one-half miles east of Youngstown, 
and five and one-half miles southwest of Kirksville. He has a splendid farm, a i:)retty 
home, and does general farming and stock raising. He is a Republican. 

SAMUEL T. DEVOLLD moved to Scotland County, Missouri, with his pa- 
rents, Lewis and Mary E. (Dye) Devolld, in 1861, living there till the beginning of 
the war. They came from Hancock County, Illinois, where Mr. Devolld was born 
November 15, 1845. For nine months he served without enlisting, then joined Com- 
pany I, 62nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He served till March, 1866, being sent 
out on the frontier during the Indian wars. After the war he came to Adair County, 
Missouri, where he has since lived and been engaged in farming. At present he 
owns a farm of 190 acres, two and one-half miles southeast of Pure Air. He is a 
breeder of Aberdeen-Angus cattle, fine saddle horses, etc. Mr. Devolld was with 
Col. McNeil and took part in the battle of Kirksville. 

Mr. Devolld was married December 31, 1866, to Mary E. Dye, daughter of 
James and Carrie (Thomas) Dye. She died February 24, 1888. They had four 
children: Clara, born May 23, 1869, now the wife of Edgar Clayton; Mirandy J., 
Octoljcr 5, 1871, was the wife of W. H. Fuller, and died January 21, 1898; Hattie, 
April 2, 1875, now the wife of W. H. Fuller; Willie H., July 2, 1878. Willis H. owns 
a farm of eighty-one acres adjoining his father's farm. Mr. Devolld is a Repub- 
lican. 

D. J. BREEN, a son of Patrick aiid .\iHia Breen, was born in Adair County, 
Missouri, April 28, 1878. He was united in marriage June 7, 1903, to Myrtle F. 
Wilson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jasper N. Wilson. They have two children: 
Alfreda, born March 3, 1904; Daniel Robert, June 3, 1906. Mr. Breen is a jn-ogres- 
sive anil scientific farmer. He owns a fine farm of 200 acres, and is an extensive 
breeder of Duroc-Jersey hogs and Shropshire sheep. 

He is Democratic in politics and a Catholic in his religion. 



Biographical. 



749 




Residence of Jasper J. Abernathy, 1 1-2 miles southwest of Stahl 




Resi(ieiK'? of \\'i!liaiii Young, 1 1-2 miles east of Youngstown 



750 



The History of Adair County. 







Scenes on the farm of Sanmel T. Di'vollil, 2 1-2 miles southea,st Pure Air 



Bl()(!RAPHICAL 



751 




Residence, burn and 1 horoushbred sheep on farm of D. J. Breen, near Adair 



752 The History of Adair County. 

FOSTER R. EASLEY was born in Knox County, Missouri, November 28, 
1880. His parents are George B. and Alice M. Easley. He married Leolah M. 
Workman, daughter of Byron F. and Sabina Workman, February 20, 1904. They 
have three children: Juanita Fae, born February 18, 1905; George Byron, born 
August 27, 1906; and Dorothy Ray Easley, born August 25, 1910. 

Mr. Easley was born and reared on a farm. He attended the rural schools 
until fifteen years old, then attended the La Plata High School for two years. He 
completed the elementary course at the Missouri State Normal School at Kirksville, 
after which he took a business course at the Gem City Business College of (Juincy, 
Illinois. After completing his school work he held the principalship of the Gibbs 
Public School for two years. For the past few years he has been engaged in the under- 
taking business at Brashear. At present he is coroner of Adair County, having been 
elected in November, 1908. He is a licensed embahner, holding Missouri State li- 
cense Number 1146. 

Mr. Easley came to Adair County September 1, 1901. He owns residence prop- 
erty in Brashear. He is Republican in politics and belongs to the Christian church. 
The A. F. and A. M., Knights Templar, M. W. A. and I. O. O. F. lodges claim him 
as a member. 

FRANK M. DARR was born and reared on the farm on which he now lives. 
His mother died November 12, 1893, when he was small, and he lived at home with 
his father till his death, January 30, 1905. His father was born in Ashland County, 
Ohio, November 25, 1848. After coming to this county he lived and farmed here 
till his death. Mr. Darrthen took charge of the old home place, he being the only 
heir. It consists of 226 acres, two miles east of Pure Air. He is a breeder of thor- 
oughbred Aberdeen- Angus cattle, having one of the best herds in the county; also 
pure bred Duroc- Jersey hogs, fine horses, etc. 

Mr. Darr was born December 15, 1889, being a son of John and Sarah (Hopper) 
Darr, both of whom are dead. He was married December 15, 1909, to Katie Weber, 
daughter of Philip and Julia (Eitel) Weber. They have one child — Rosa Blanche, 
born November 17, 1910. In politics he is a Republican. 

JOHN CHADWELL, son of Daniel and Louisa J. (Felts) ChadwcU, was born 
May 19, 1851, in Knox County, just across the line from his present htnue in this 
county. He married Lorena J. Reed, daughter of Waterman and Ruth (Ingraham) 
Reed, March 2, 1871. Mrs. Chadwell came here from Will County, Illinois, in 
1869, where she was born, March 15, 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Chadwell have two chil- 
dren living and two dead: Daniel W., born December 28, 1874, and Chester W., 
born February 16, 1885, are both married and living on the old home place. John 
H., born June 20, 1878, di(Hl February 6, 1897. Kindled S., born Ai)ril 19, 1S82, 
died July 28, 1882. 

Mr. Chadwell lived in Knox Count \' where he was born, luitil six years old, 
then moved with his parents to his present farm, which is only about one and one- 
half miles from his birthplace. He Hvcd at home till nineteen years old, when he 
married and bought a farm on the Knox County line near his father's farm. He 
lived there till his father's death in 1877, then })ought the old home ])lace. In the 
summer of 1910 he retired from the farm and moved to Gibbs, where he now lives. 

Mr. Chadwell's father was one of the earliest settlers of Knox County, coming 
from Kentucky. His mother belonged lo one of the oldest families in Mi.s.souri. 

The subject of this sketch is a Democrat and is a member of t e Baptist church. 



Biographical 



753 




Foster K. Easlcy, Brashear, County Coroner 



754 



The History of Adair County. 




'^^^mmH^ 




Kcsidonce and scone on Frank M. Darr's place, 2 miles east of Pure Air 



Biographical. 



755 




Jolin Chad well, wifo and sons; Farm residence near Gibbs 



756 The History of Adair County. 

EUGENE RICE was born in Adair County, Missouri, January 4, 1861, a son 
of Henry and Julia Rico. He was married November 24, 1901, to Manila Lowe, 
daughter of Augustus and Esther Lowe. They have two children: Beidah, born 
November 30, 1906; Augustus Eugene, January 25, 1908. Mr. Rice has five chil- 
dren by a former marriage: John, born September 6, 1885; Francis, March 10, 
1887; James, June 10, 1889; Ida, June 21, 1892; Allen, March 26, 1894. 

Mr. Rice owns a farm of 120 acres, situated two miles northeast of Kirksville. 
He is a Republican and belongs to the Masonic lodge. No. 105, at Kirksville. 

L. P. FICKEL, son of Thomas W. and Jennie May Fickel, was born in Adair 
County, Missouri, March 7, 1881. He was married November 28, 190G, to Pearl 
Edith Curry, daughter of J. T. and Emma Currj'. They have two children: Berle, 
born January 17, 1908, and Vance, born January 25, 1911. 

Mr. Fickel conducts his father's farm of 160 acres, situated foiu- miles south of 
Kirksville. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Methodist church. 

ALBERT M. WILKINS was born at Enon, Pennsylvania, December 3, 1847. 
His parents were James C. and Elizabeth Wilkins. He was married to Leah V. 
Hopson, daughter of Cary and Rebecca (Coleman) Hopson, February 11, 1908. 

His father died when Albert M. was but eight years old, and the family moved 
from Beaver County, Pennsylvania, to Keokuk, Iowa. Here he lived till 1875. Mr. 
Wilkins moved to Adair County, Missouri, in 1875, and in 1880 he bought his pres- 
ent farm, where he has since lived. It consists of 373 acres, one mile west of Yar- 
row, Missouri. He also owns a farm seven miles west of Yarrow, consisting of 400 
acres. He is a breeder of Hereford cattle, Poland-China and Chester White hogs, 
and Percheron horses. He is a Republican in politics, and belongs to the B. P. (). 
Elks. 

JOHN F. DIMMITT, (deceased) was born in Illinois June 2, 1851, being a son 
of Joshua H. and Elizabeth (Stephens) Dimmitt. He was married April 11, 1876, 
to Sarah E. Blakely, daughter of Jacob W. and Amanda Blakely. They had seven 
children, four of whom are living: William F., born August 27, 1877; Jacob IL, 
December 21, 1879, died May IS, 1903; George H., April 29, 1882, died October 6, 
1906; James A., December 19, 1884, died April 21, 1909; Jo.seph L.. January 13, 
1888; John J., July 27, 1891; Arhe L., March 20, 1895. 

Mr. Dimmitt lived in Illinois till 1865, then moved to Adair County, Missouri. 
The Blakely and Dimmitt families came from Illinois together, making the trip in 
wagons, and landed in Kirksville in March of that year. In the Blakely family was 
Sarah, then only seven years old, who afterward became Mr. John Dimmitt's wife. 
Mr. Dinnuitt lived at home till grown, then married and began farming for hims(>lf, 
settling six miles southwest of Novinger. He bought the place just west of the heme 
place and lived there till the elder Mr. Dimmitt's death in 1879. A few years later 
they bought the old home place. Mr. Dimmitt lived there and farmed till his death, 
December 11, 1909. Since then his widow and four of hcv sons, William, Jose})h, 
John and Arlie, have been running the old home place. It consists of two farms, 
415 acres, six miles southwest of Novinger. They also own 160 acres in Oklahoma. 
They breed Shorthorn cattle, Poland-China hog.s and Percheron horses on tlu^ farm. 
Mr. Dimmitt was a Republican in politics. 



Biographical. 



757 




S) 





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li 







^^ 



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758 



The Histoky of Adair County. 




P^ 



Biographical. 



759 



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760 



The History of Adair County. 




^. 






'A 



BlOtJHAFHICAL. 761 

JOHN W. TINSMAN was bom in Harmony, Butler County, Pennsylvania, 
in 1842, eniigratinji to Adair County, Missouri, in 1855 with his mother and hv(! 
children, of which he was the youngest, and i'ovu- are still living: Mrs. Panc^baker, 
Mrs. Otto, J. A. Tinsman and himself. Mr. Tinsman drove three yoke of oxen to 
break up what now constitutes the entire Wilson Addition to Kirksville, and which 
belonged to the Hon. W. H. Parcells at that time. Mr. Tinsman graduated from a 
log school house on the Chariton River after a six months' term the winter of 1860. 
He enlisted in the Federal Army November, 1861, and was honorably discharged 
September, 1865. He married Eudora Panebaker in 1866. Of this union four (;hil- 
dren were born, one of whom survives — C. R. Tinsman, of Rockford, Illinois. 

Mr. Tinsman was engaged in milling up to the year 1875, after which he engaged 
in photographic scene painting in Kirksville. In the year 1895 he entered the employ 
of the Chicago Portrait Company, of Chicago, anil became general manager for 
five western states, including Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, California and Utah, 
which position he held for four years. In 1900 he became interested with his son 
in the Illinois Sewing Machine Company at Rockford, Illinois, which interest he still 
retains. Since 1904 Mr. Tinsman has retired from active business and gives his 
attention to the study of art for pleasure. 

He served two terms as Mayor of Kirksville and represented Adair County in 
the Forty-fifth General Assembly. He studied art one winter in Paris, and spent 
one winter in the principal cities of Italy. Mr. Tinsman has a ranch six miles west 
of Kirksville on the Chariton, where is located his studio called Idylwild, and where 
he has his collection painted the past ten years. The studio is on a steep bluff and 
surrounded by ferns, where a cool spring bubbles from the steep sandstone cliff, and 
where he entertains his many friends. 

BENJAMIN F. OWNBEY is a native of Adair County, Missouri, born Decem- 
ber IS, 1846, near where he now lives. He is a son of Canada and Lucinda (Walker) 
Ownbey. His father was one of the oldest residents of the county, and one of its 
best and most substantial citizens. He was married November 28, 1867, to Mary 
C. Simpson, daughter of William C. and Malinda (Jones) Simpson. Mrs. Ownbey 
was born in Ohio August 23, 1849. They have five children living — one dead: Ida, 
born February 1, 1869, now Mrs. Lon Snow; Halley H., September 8, 1871, now 
Mrs. J. B. Harris; William C, December 8, 1874; Robert, March 8, 1876, died No- 
vember 10, 1878; Emma, August 14, 1878, now Mrs. Melvin Lowe; Benjamin F., 
Jr., December 17, 1885. 

Mr. Ownbey was born and reared on a farm, two miles south of Kirksville, a 
part of which he now owns. He lived there, helped run the farm and attended the 
public school till grown. At the age of twenty-one he married and started out to 
achieve his fortune. He has lived in the same neighborhood and farmed contin- 
uously since that time. He now owns 123 acres, one and one-half miles south of 
the corporate limits of Kirksville. In 1898 he started what is now called Ownbey's 
Lake. It was at first a small pond, but has been enlarged, improved and deepened 
till it is one of the prettiest and most picturesque spots in North Missouri. The 
lake itself contains eight acres and is from three and one-half to fifteen feet deep. 
Of late years it has been made a great pleasure resort for Kirksville and surround- 
ing country. It has been stocked with all kinds of fish; has a dancing pavillion; 
bath houses; boat houses, etc. He has twenty boats, some of which are motor boats. 
The place has recently been enlarged and improved until now an entire forty acres 
are given over to the pleasure seekers. 



762 



The History of Adair County. 




Hon. John W. Tinsman, Youngstown 



BlOCtRAPHK'AL. 



7()3 




Mr. B. F. Ovvnbey, Kirksvillc 



764 



The History of Adair County, 




Canada Ownboy, mottled in Adair County in 1837 



Biographical. 765 

CANADA OWNBEY, deceased, a son of Joseph and Hannah Ownbey, was 
born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, June 17, 1811. He moved to Missouri with 
liis parents in 1820, settUng at the mouth of tlie Grand River. They remained 
there only a short time, on account of chills and fever being so prevalent in that 
section. They then moved to Macon County where Mr. Ownbey lived with his 
parents till his marriage in 1834. He then farmed in that county till 1837, when 
he moved with his family to Adair County, living here and farming till his death 
Sept. 13, 1886. He owned a farm two miles south of Kirksvillc. 

Mr. Ownbey was one of the best known men of the county and was highly 
esteemed. During the Indian uprising in this section he was commissioned lieuten- 
ant of the 54th regiment and served as member of the Adair County Court in the 
early sixties. 

Mr. Ownbey was married July 17, 1844 to Lucinda Walker, in Macon County. 
They had eleven children, eight sons and three daughters. All of them lived to be 
grown. Only four of his children are now living: Mrs. W. H. (Hannah) Herron, 
B. F., and G. W., all of this county, and J. W. who resides in Oklahoma. 

JOHN R. HOWEY. Mr. John R. Howey has done much to bring 
Adair County to the high standard it occupies in the minds of the people. Mr. 
Howey is a native of Ohio, born in Hardin County, May 5, 1861. He was reared 
on a farm covered with the heaviest of timber, which he and his five brothers cleared. 
On August 28, 1884, he was married to Mary E. Higgins, of the same county. In 
the year 1886 they came to Adair County, Missouri, and have lived here since, ex- 
cept short intervals spent in adjoining counties. Four children have blessed their 
home — two boys and two girls, all of whom are living save one. Von Weber, the eldest 
son, who died November 19, 1907, at the age of twenty-two years and three months. 

J. R. Howey was educated in music in the Northwestern University, at Ada, 
Ohio, and made that his life work. There is scarceW a church or school house in 
Adair County where he has not taught a music class and as much as twelve terms in 
the same place in many of them. It can be safely said that no one has done more 
gratis work for public enterprises than he. It was his efforts that brought about 
the first great musical gathering in Kirksville. In 1900 he organized the Ivirksville 
Eisteedfod, at which time an all-day singing contest was held on the 25th day of 
May, at which time $300.00 was given in cash prizes for the best rendition of cho- 
ruses, solos, duetts, etc. The choruses rendered were from the old masters, and this 
was said to be the first classical rendition of the masters' works in Kirksville. Two 
years later the first May Festival was held. May 15 and 16, at which time the first 
large chorus was ever heard in Kirksville. The chorus numbered eighty voices. 
The choruses rendered on this occasion were of a heavier class than in the previous 
musical contest, and the entertainment was more of a success, both financially and 
musically. At both of these festivals of music noted singers were here taking part. 
The work was of high class and a great success. Two years later the Kirksville 
Chautauqua was organized under his management and at his suggestion. 

It was no trouble to enlist the help of the business and professional men of the 
citj" and surrounding country. A committee of twelve was soon selected as an ex- 
ecutive board of managers, with Mr. Howey as superintendent. The first Chau- 
tauqua was held during the month of August, 1904; has been held each year since, 
during the month of August, and is considered by the citizens of Kirksville and Adair 
County, as one of the greatest educational advantages, high class entertainment. 



766 



The History of Adair County, 




Prof. John R. Ho\v(\v, Kirksville 



Biographical. 7(37 

ami social f(>atures of the year. There is scarcely a new church built in Adair Coun- 
ty in the last fifteen years that he has not assisted in its building. There is not a 
public road in the county, and but few by-roads, that he is not jiersonally faniili;u- 
with, and helped in one way or another to better their conditions. 

In all Mr. Howey's public work he lias b(>en ably assisted by Mrs. Howey, not 
only in his Chautauqua work, but in all the i)ubli(; enterprises in which he has been 
< 'II gaged. 

In 1906 Mr. Howey organized fifteen Chautauquas in adjoining counties, and 
while not all of them have been successful, ten have jiroved successes and are still 
1 eing held each year. 

Mr. Howey is known as a man of great z(>al, imlomitable energy, and has always 
been found on the right side of all* improvements and progressive enterprises, lend- 
ing his time and energy to the upbuilding and betterment of the conununity in which 
he lives. 

J. B. RILEY was born in Adair County, iNIissouri, December 28, 185G, being 
a son of CJeorge R. and Christina (Melton) Riley. He was married December 13, 
1888, to Anna Gow, daughter of Peter and Jeanette (Parker) Gow. They have 
five children: Eva Grace, born November 27, 18S9; Hugh G., January 11, 1891; 
George, Jiily 14, 1892; Etta Ruth, September 19, 1894; Blanche, September 30, 
1897. 

Mr. Riley was born on a farm in tlie northeast part of the county. His father 
died when J. R. was about three years old, and the family moved to Iowa, remain- 
ing there for a while, then living in Illinois a few years, next coming to Adair County, 
Missouri. J. B. soon returned to Iowa, however, living there for a number of years. 
While there he married. In 1907 he came to Adair County, Missouri, again, where 
he has since lived. He bought a farm two miles northeast of Kirksville, where he 
does general farming. The land is well improved and he has a pretty home. 

Mr. Riley is a member of the Methodist church. 

REECE A. RICORD was born January 10, 1853, in Schuyler County, Mis- 
souri, being a son of William M. and Rebecca (Young) Ricord. He was married 
October 16, 1898, to Anna Gordon, daughter of Abel and Sarah Gordon. Mrs. 
Ricord was born April 17, 1870. They have three children: William M., born Sep- 
tember 27, 1900; Alta May, September 14, 1903; Mabel Grace, March 31, 1907. 

Mr. Ricord was reared on the farm in Scotland County, remaining with his 
parents till grown. After the death of his father, in 1878, he stayed at home, taking 
care of his mother and running the farm. He came to this county in 1884, spend- 
ing about three years in various parts of the county. In 1892 he bought his present 
farm, adjoining the town of Clay, nine miles northeast of Kirksville. It contains 
149 acres, well improved. He does general farming and stock raising. Mrs. Ricord 
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

MELVIN B. SYKES was born in Tompkins County, New York, September 4, 
1835, a son of Amasa and Anna (Hicks) Sykes. He was married December 25, 
1860, to Sabra A. Miller, daughter of Ransley and Abbie Miller. Mrs. Sykes was 
born November 21, 1840, and died August 25, 1898. They had eight children: 
Joseph R., born September 24, 1862; Alfred C, May 3, 1866; Albert E., May 3, 
1866, twin of Alfred; Frank C, January 16, 1869; Herbert W., August 19, 1874; 



7G8 



The History of Adair County. 




« 



Biographical. 7()9 

Tx'ttie M., August 24, 1S76, now Mrs. Harrison See; Cliarles B., Ocloher 4, ISSl; 
Carrie V., September 18, 1885. 

Mr. Sykes moved to Wisconsin wiien twelve years old, and moved from t'lcrc to 
Adair County, Missouri, in 1857, where he began farming for himself. He bought 
his present farm, paying four dollars per acre. He has lived on the same place since 
that time. He has forty acres, four miles east of Kirksville. 

He is a Rejiublican and a member of the Methodist church. 

WILLIAM H. YOUNG was born in AMlson township, Adair County, in 1873, 
being a son of Ben and Emily (Elmore) Young, one of the old-time families of the 
covmty. He was reared on a farm in that section, remaining at home till grown. 
He then went into the mercantile business at Gibbs, conducting a general store there 
for five years. In 1908 he quit that business, bought out the furniture and under- 
taking business of his father-in-law, G. B. Easley, at that place, and is still engaged 
in that work at Gibbs. 

He was married to Hattie M. Easley, daughter of George B. and Alice (Spencer) 
Easley, December 26, 1903. Mr. Young is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge. He 
and his wife are members of the Christian church. He is a Republican in politics. 

JOBE RAINIER, a native of Ohio, was born April 24, 1849, a son of John H. 
and Margaret Jane (Clifford) Ranier. He was born and reared on a farm. About 
1883 he went into the timber business, purchasing and selling ties, piles and bridge 
timbers for about fifteen years. For several years he was a stock dealer and shipped 
the first car load of stock out of Novinger. For eight years he operated a farm of 
320 acres near Gibbs, Missouri. In February, 1908, he moved to Brashear and was 
appointed postmaster in January, 1909. This position he resigned in January, 1911, 
on account of the position being too confining. He is a Republican, a member of 
the Masonic and I. O. O. F. fraternities, and a Universalist in religion. 

Mr. Ranier was married January 25, 1873, to Elizabeth F. Moore, daughter 
of Robert and Mary Jane (Cason) Moore. They had three children: George L., 
born November 10, 1874; Ella M., February 26, 1876, now Mrs. George H. Fellers; 
Charley Wade, May 19, 1879. 

C. L. HENDERSON, a native of Iowa, was born near Winfield, Henry County, 
Iowa, December 20, 1876, being a son of William and Mariah Henderson. He was 
married August 8, 1900, to Ida A. Carner, a daughter of Albert and Mary Carner, 
of Sperry, Mo. They have three children: Lena Ruth, born June 2, 1904; Pauline 
Alice, born August 2, 1907; and Irene Ida, December 25, 1909. 

Mr. Henderson was born and reared on a farm in Iowa, moving to Missouri in 
1897, and to Kirksville in 1903, where he resided till February, 1911, when he moved 
to Sunny Side Stock Farm, one and one-fourth miles north of Sublette, Missouri, 
where he now lives. He is a breeder of registered Jersey cattle and Duroc hogs, and 
Single Comb and Rose Comb Rhode Island Red chickens. During his residence in 
Kirksville he served as City Collector for about one term, resigning in February 
1911, to move to the farm. The rest of the time he was in Kirksville he was em- 
ployed by the Helme Hardware Comjiany. 

Mr. Henderson is a Republican in politics, and a member of the I. O. O. F., 
M.W. of A. and B. A. Y. fraternities. He and his wife are members of the Methodist 
church. 



770 



The Kistory of Adair County. 




Residence of W. H. Young, Gibbs. G. I'). I']asley and grandson in foreground 




Kc^^iclcnce o!' Jobe Raincr, Uinslicar 



Biographical. 771 

DR. G. A. GOBEN, a ii:Uiv(> of Liviiifistoii Cnunty, Misnouri, was horn April 
2, 18-14, being a son of Levi F. and Catherine (Crist) Gobcn. His father was tlie 
first white settler in Livingston County, settling at what is now known as Goben's 
Ford, on Grand River, in 1831. Dr. Goben was born on a farm near Spring Hill 
and lived there till 1871. He attended the public school there, then attended the 
Kentucky School of Medicine, graduating in 1870. After his graduation he spent 
one year at his old home at SjM-ing Hill, then went to Jameson, Daviess County, 
where he practiced nine years. Since that time he has made his home in Kirksville 
and engaged in active practice of general surgery and diseases of women. In 1888 
he went to Belle vue Hospital, New York, graduating the second time in 1884. Be- 
sides this, he has done much post-graduate and clinical work, receiving a great deal 
of special training from Dr. Senn of Chicago. Governor John S. Marmaduke ap- 
pointed him a member of the State Board of Health, and he was re-appointed bv 
Governor D. R. Francis, serving in all about eleven years. For thirty 3'ears he was 
a member of the American Medical Association, and was also a member of the Mis- 
souri State Medical Association. 

Dr. Goben was married May 20, 1872, tu Ora Bell Roszelle, daughter of Ed- 
ward and Mary (Jackson) Roszelle. They have no children. 

During the Civil War he was a member of Company K., Fourth Provisional 
Missouri Militia, later being elected captain of his company, serving one year. 

Dr. Goben owns considerable property in Kirksville, also 1011 acres of land, 
540 acres being in Adair County and 471 acres in Texas County, Missouri. He is 
a Democrat, a member of the Masonic and K. of P. fraternities, having taken all the 
high degrees in Masonry. Three times he has served as Councilman and has three 
times been elected Mayor, which office he is holding at present. 

The question, "What is your Religion?" was answered by a quotation from 
John Stuart Blackie, viz.: 

'"Creeds and confessions? High Church or Low? 

I cannot say; but you would vastly please us 

If, with some pointed Scripture, j'ou could show 

To which of these belonged the Savior, Jesus. 

I think to all or none. Not curious creeds 

Or ordered forms of churchly rule He taught. 

But soul of love that blossomed into deeds. 

With human good and human blessings fraught. 

On me nor priest nor presbyter nor Pope. 

Bishop nor dean, may stamp a party name; 

But Jesus, with His largely human scope. 

The servi('e of my human life may claim. 

Let prideful priests do battle about creeds; 

The church is mine that does most Christ-like deeds." 

RAYMOND SHOOP was born in Adair County, near Shibley's Point, January 
2, 1877, a sun of Adam and Cj'rena (Shibley) Shoop. He was reared on the farm, 
attending the public school. He afterwards came to Kirksville and attended the 
State Normal School, graduating in 1904. In 1907 he took a post-graduate course, 
receiving the degree of Master of Pedagogy. He taught chemistry three years at 
Joplin. At present he is engaged in lyceum work, putting in lecture courses for the 
Porter Bureau, of Des Moines, Iowa. He came from one of the old well-known 
families of the countv. 



772 



The History of Adair County. 




G. A. Goben, M. D., Mayor of Kiiksville 



BlOCiUAl'HR'AL. 



773 




774 The History of Adair County. 

THE KIRKSVILLE MILITARY BAND was organized September 14, 1910, 
with eighteen members, by Charles Smelser, L. T. Shubcrt and Ellis Stewart. 
Funds were subscribed for its support by the business and professional men of Kirks- 
ville, and Prcf. W. A. Howland, who made such a success of the Novinger Band, was 
hired as director. The boys went to work with a will so that now, undes the efficient 
leadership of Prof. Howland, they have an organization of which our people are 
justly proufl, and one deserving the patronage of the people. Concerts are given 
twice a week on the public square, and they are adding daily to their efficiency. 

New members have been added until they now have twenty-two, the following 
being the roster with instrumentation: 

Clarinets — L. T. Shubert, E. W. Stewart, Paul Howerton, EiTunett Rogers. 

Cornets — W. A. Howland, Director; C. B. Rich, Dr. Grundy, Dr. Martin. 

Altos — Elmer Tudor, Wm. Ben.son, Luther Paschal, Mert Crow. 

Trombone — Lee Heaberlin, Chas. Welch, C. L. McPherson. 

B.A.RITONE — Claude Heaberlin. 

Basses — Jno. Berry, F. Heaberlin, L. F. Gibbs. 

Drums — Ben Jones, Roy Ratliff; Chas. Smelser, Drum Major. 

The officers are: E. W. Stewart, President; L. F. Gibbs, Business Manager; 
L. T. Shubert, Secretary and Treasurer; C. A. Smelser, Manager; W. A. Howland, 
Director. 

WILLIAM M. GEOGHEGAN, a native of Hancock County, Illinois, was boin 
December 11, 1865. He is a son of John J. and Nancy A. (Dye) Geoghegan. He 
lived on the farm where he was born till 1S79, and then came with his parents to 
Adair County. He lived near Kirksville till grown, attending the public school. 
After his marriage he farmed and worked at the carpenter trade. In 1904 he moved 
to Kirksville where he went into the carpenter and contracting business, and has 
been in this business continuously since. He has built a large number of the splen- 
did homes, many of them appearing in the cuts in this history. 

Mr. Geoghegan was married to Daisy A. Beall, April 4, 1896. She is a daugh- 
ter of Leander J. and Hannah (Armstrong) Beall. They have two children: Dale 
A., born June 13, 1897; Letha O., born August 23, 1899. William Geoghegan is a 
Republican, a member of the Christian church, and belongs to the M. W. A. lodge. 

FRED O. KLOOS, son of Henry and Harriett Kloos, was born in Creston, 
Iowa, March 6, 1877. He was married to Lillie Bartlett, November 13, 1904. They 
have one daughter, Mary Elizabeth, born April 15, 1911. Mr. Kloos lived in Iowa 
till 1900, working at the restaurant business for several years. When he came here 
he took up the same kind of work. In 1906 he formed a partnership with C. J. Ste- 
vens, and they now own and conduct the Bee Hive Restaurant. 

Mr. Kloos is a Republican in politics, and belongs to the Masonic, Iillks and 
K. of P. lodges. 

CLARENCE J. STEVENS is a native of \'an Buren Couuty, Iowa. He was 
born December 5, 1880, being a son of J. R. and Gettie Stevens. He was married 
July 22, 1903, to Ollie G. Howard. They hav(> two children: Kenneth, born Sep- 
tember 10, 1904; and Cecil, born March 19, 1907. 

Mr. Setvens lived in Iowa until 1898, when he came to Kirksville, Missouri. For 
a time he clerked in a store. In 1906 he formed a partnership witli F. O. Kloos in 
the restaurant business. The\' are now owners of the Bee Hive Restaurant. 

He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the K. of P. lodge. 



►rj Ifi 



Biographical. 



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776 



The History of Adair County. 



^ 



T"- 







Biographical. 



777 




778 



The History of Adair County. 




Bkkjhaphical. 



779 



td 







780 



The History of Adair County. 




M. D. Campbell, Kirksvi 



Biographical. 781 

MYERS D. CAMPBELL was hovu in I'utiuiin Coutit.y, Missouri, Novenihor 
10, 1869, being a son of Milton and HohcM'ca Cam])holl. He was married September 
12, 1894, to Edith E. McClatiahan, a tlaiighter of J. N. and Amanda M. MeClana- 
han. They had five eliildren, four of whom are living: John M., born June 29, 
1895; Myers D., Jr., July 10, 1897; Arthur D., June VA, 1899; Edith E., March 
16, 1904; ElH.son M., Sei)tember 6, 1901, died April 22, 1902. 

Mr. Campbell was born and reared on a farm in Putnam Covmty, attending the 
l)ublic schools of that s(>ction. He then took a course at the State Normal School 
at Kirksville, and taught school for two years. While teaching he spent his vaca- 
tions and odd times in reading law in the office of Judge Andrew Ellison, continuing 
that study after giving up teaching. In May,, 1889, he was admitted to the bar, 
at Kirksville, and immediately opened an office here for the practice of his profession. 
His brother, Arthur D. Campbell, now cashier of the Citizens National Bank, Mihm, 
Missouri, was his law partner here for two years. Later, when Judge An(h"ew Elh- 
son retired from the circuit bench, after over twenty-two years of service, he and 
Mr. Campbell formed a partnership under the name of Ellison & Campbell, which 
continued till Judge Ellison's death. Since that time Mr. Campbell and S. H. 
Ellison, a son of Judge Ellison, have been partners in the law business. The firm 
is regarded as one of the strongest in the state. 

Mr. Campbell was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Adair County in 1890. He 
is a member of Kirksville Lodge, No. 105, A. F. and A. M., and of the B. P. (). E., 
Kirksville, No. 464, being Past Exalted Ruler of the latter order. 

JOSEPH N. STUKEY is a native of Adair County, Missouri, and was born 
on a farm near the present town of Millard, August 18, 1857. He comes from one 
of the oldest and best known families of this county, his father playing an imp.ort- 
aiit part in its history. He is a son of Noah and Mary A. Stukey, and was reared on 
the farm on which he now lives. It consists of 320 acres, and is situated about one 
mile southwest of Millard. Mr. Stukey was married December 31, 1882, to Min- 
tie E. Sewell, a daughtes of Henry and Ann Sewell. They have two children: Gro- 
ver, born, December 8, 1886; Henry, September 19, 1897. Grover graduated from 
the Missouri State Normal School, at Kirksville, in 1908, and is now engaged in 
teaching. 

Mr. Stukey 's father was a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and came to Adair 
County in 1839, making the trip on horseback. He was born December 28, 1814, 
and died at his home near Millard, December 8, 1878. A sketch of his life is gi\'en 
in the historical part of this work. 

The old home in which Noah Stukey lived for so many years was recently torn 
down and a handsome new home erected in 1910. It is a modern structure, with 
electric lights, etc. Joseph N. Stukey is a Democrat in politics, and he and his fam- 
ily are members of the South Methodist church. 

WILLIAM M. CRAWFORD was born in Columbus, Ohio, August 13, 1854. 
His parents were John L. and Mary Ann Crawford. He was married to Elizabeth 
Foncannon, October 2, 1879. Mrs. Crawford is a daughter of M. B. and Julia Fon- 
cannon. They have five children: Anna, born May 27, 1881; Everett, October 
10, 1883; Etta, June 3, 1891; Frank, October 26, 1893; Henry, September 10, 1898. 

Mr. Crawford owns 140 acres of land, ten miles southeast of Kirksville. The 
farm is well improved, and he raises good stock. He came to Adair County, Mis- 
souri, in October, 1856. He has lived here since that time. He is Republican in 
politics. 



782 



The History of Adair County, 




Re.-i<loiu;e and pioneer home of Joseph N. Stukey, i niiU' .-outhwerit 

( f Milhinl 



BlOriRAl'HlCAL. 



783 




W 



784 The History of Adaih County. 

PHILIP JOSEPH RIEGER is a native of Peoria County, Illinois, born Feb- 
ruary 10, 1859. His parents were Gottfried and Catherine Rieger. He was mar- 
ried January 1, 1890, to Nevada E. McCoy, daughter of Sylvester A. and Edith Mc- 
Coy. They have three children: Archie Dale, born October 20, 1890; Grover 
Claire, November 7, 1892; Mildred Marie, January 15, 1897. 

Mr. Rieger was born on a farm, living there with his parents till 1880, when he 
moved with them to Adair County where he has since resided. His father bought a 
farm in this county. He Uved there with his father and farmed, attending the pub- 
lic school, also took a brief course at the State Normal School. While on the farm he 
taught school for six years, teaching during the winter months and assisting on the 
farm during the .summer. In 1890 he was elected Clerk of tha County Court, on 
what was known as the Farmers' ticket, serving four years. During that time he 
spent all his leisure time studying law, reading untler the late Judge Andrew Ellison. 
He was admitted to the bar in January, 1895, and has practiced here since that time. 
In April, 1895, he was elected City Attorney, and again in May, 1909, electetl to 
fill a vacancy. He was elected both times on the Democratic ticket. He is a Dem- 
ocrat, takes great interest in politics; is chairman of the County Committee, serving 
his second term. This makes him a member of the Congressional Committee also. 

On April 27, 1899, like many other citizens of Kirksville, Mr. Rieger had an 
exciting experience in the Kirksville cyclone of that date. While over two blocks 
from his home he saw and heard the coming storm, and rushing home found his fam- 
ily on the front porch in an excited condition, watching the fury of the storm some half 
mile away. He ordered all to the cellar and was following somewhat rapidly him- 
self, and while descending the cellar stairway the storm struck with all its fury, car- 
rying away and completely demolishing the building. His family, including him- 
self, were saved, being protected by the cellar walls. So close was his escape, how- 
ever, that when the cyclone struck his home, Mr. Rieger had hardly reached safety 
when his hat was carried awaj^ by the tornado and he felt the breath of the storm. 
Even now he is unable to state whether he fell or jumped the remaining distance to 
the floor of the cellar, but he knows he made a rapid descent. 

He belongs to the Masonic, M. W. A., Yeoman and Court of Honor lodges. He 
and his family are devoted members of the Presbyterian church. He is serving as 
trustee and deacon in the church. 

DR. WILLIAM E. MUNN is a native of this county, born near Sloan's Point, 
October 27, 1807, a son of Allen and Rosa A. (Tefft) Munn. He lived at Sloan's 
Point until twentj--four years old, attending the public school and farming for a 
few years, then took a course at the Kirksville Business College. He read medicine 
for a time, then attended the Keokuk College of Physicians and Surgeons, now the 
medical (lei)artment of Drake University, graduating in 1905. He practiced under 
a preceptor several years before graduation. After graduating he located at Pure 
Air, where he has since lived and practiced his jirofession. He is a member of the 
American Medieval Association, and the State Association. 

Allen, Munn, the father of Dr. Munn, was born at Portsmouth, Ohio, Deci'Uiber 
24, 1837. He came to this county in 1864, and lived here till his death, October 10, 
1905. His mother is .still Hving. Mrs. Mimn's father came here in 1867. 

Dr. Munn was married April 4, 1894, to Amy Hulse, daughter of John and Delia 
A. Hulse. They have one child — Hazel Alma, born May 8, 1896. Dr. Munn owns 
ten acres of land, and has a beautiful home. He is Republican in politics. 



Biographical. 



785 




Residence of P. J. Riesor, Kirksville 




Members of the County Court 
Judge James H. Shoop Jiulge 8. J. Reed Judge A. P. Hopson 



786 



The History of Adair County, 







<: 




w 



« 



Biographical. 



787 







788 The History of Adair Tounty. 

PEYTON F. GREENWOOD canio to Adair County, Missouri, in 1852, with 
his father's family, setthng in East Salt River township, on the farm on which his 
father died. From that time up to the present he has been a citizen of this county. 
He hved at home till grown, attending the common schools. In the fall of 1859 
he went to Wyaconda Seminary at La Grange, Missouri, then came home and at- 
tended school in Kirksville under Robert Milligan and his wife, then under W. P. 
Nason. In 1857 ho l)ogan teaching school in the winter and working on the farm 
Avith his father in the summer. In 1S60 he made up his mind to become a lawyer, 
but never read law in an office until he had an office of liis own. Admitted to the 
bar in 1866 at Kirksville, he entered the practice of his profession, remaining on the 
farm till June, 1872. He then moved to Kirksville and formed a partnership for 
the practice of law with John A. Pickler, who was that fall elected prosecuting at- 
torney of Adair County. Just before his two years expired, Pickler moved to Mus- 
catine, Iowa, from that time on practicing alone for several years. Mr. Green- 
wood then formed a partnership with F. M. Harrington for the purpose of practic- 
ing law, which partnership continued till January 1, 1877. Continuing the prac- 
tice, in 1884 he formed a partnership with W. D. Oldham, which continued four 
years. When Oldham removed to Nebraska, he then practiced law alone till he formed 
a partnershiji with Henry F. Millan which continued till 1905, when by reason of his 
health the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Greenwood has lived on his little place 
one mile north of Kirksville since 1901, and enjoys the cool air much better than 
that of a stuffy office, and advises young men to take up farming instead of the prac- 
tice of law. "Occasionally some of my old clients come to me, and in my feeble way 
I assist them in their legal matters," said Mr. Greenwood, "but I am practically out 
of the practice of law." 

Mr. Greenwood was born in Sangamon County, Illinois, February 12, 1840, 
being a son of Edmond and Jenettee (Foster) Greenwood. He was married March 
3, 1864, to Julia A. Bryan, daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Phemister) Bryan. She 
was born in Marion County, Indiana, September 24, 1845. They hati eight chil- 
dren, five of whom are living: Eva, born March 28, 1865; Samuel E., March 7, 
1867, died September 28, 1877; Grace M., October 10, 1874, died December 21, 
1892; Nettie B., September 28, 1876, now Mrs. John C. Casebolt; Helen R., July 
17, 1878, now Mrs. Morris Tayman; James M., January 4, 1881, died November 
14, 1904; Mary C, September 15, 1882, now the wife of S. J. Miller; Carl P., Sep- 
tember 20, 1884, lives at home. 

REESE S. STEWART was born on a farm adjoining where he now lives, No- 
vember 4, 1868. He is a son of William S. and Margaret (Collop) Stewart. He was 
married August 21, 1889, to Ora I. Chaney, daughter of Alphus P. and Harriett 
(McClain) Chaney. Mrs. Stewart was born April 26, 1864, in Adair County, Mis- 
souri. They have two children: Wesley E., born February 8, 1891; William A., 
January 8, 189.3. 

Mr. Stewart owns 525 acres of hind adjoining his old home ])la('e, two miles north 
of Sperry. He lived with his parents till his marriage, then bought 120 acres of 
his present farm. He has since added the other land. He is a breeder of Poland- 
China hogs. Short-horn cattle, fine horses, etc. He is a Republican in ])()litics, a 
member of the Methodist Episcoj)al Church, South, and belongs to the I. (). O. F. 
and M. W. A. lodges. Mrs. Stewart belongs t-o the Royal Neighbors and Rebeccahs. 



Biographical. 



789 




P. F. Cheenwood, Kirksville 



790 



The History of Adaii? CorKTV. 




BlOCiRAPHU'AL. 791 

CHESTER WOODS was born in Morccr County, Pennsylvania, September 5, 
1X57, l)einff a son of Cyrus and Amanda Woods. He was married November 22, 
1S82, to Magfiie Sleeth, daufrlit-er of Thomas and Uretta Sleeth. They have four 
children: Edna, born October 26, 1SS3; Wyhe, September 2, 1885; May, Septem- 
ber 7, 1887; Etta, June 5, 1893. 

Mr. Woods eame to Adair Covmt.y, Missouri, with his parents in 1S()8, and has 
Hved here continuously since, and engaged in the occupation of farming. He owns 
a farm of 320 acres near Gibbs. He is a very progressive fanner, takes a deep in- 
terest in educational matters, giving all his children a thorough schoohng. He be- 
longs to the Presbyterian church, the M. W. A. fraternity, and is a Republican in 
politics. 

WILLIAM H. MOTTER, son of Noah and Susan (Dupenderf) Motter, was 
born near Nineveh, Adair County, Mi.ssouri, on the farm he now owns, December 
22, 1859. He was married January 1, 1890, to Rebecca Shott, daughter of Jacob 
and Eliza (Swigert) Shott. Mrs. Motter was born in Dauphin County, Pennsyl- 
vania, August 21, 1865, and came to Adair County in 1S80. They have nine chil- 
dren living, one dead: Mabel, born October 7, 1890, died January 30, 1897; Eva 
I., May 29, 1892; Paul W., May 1, 1894; Alva F., February 19, 1896; Jacob D., 
February 8, 1898; Marion, May 30, 1900; Gladys, July 25, 1892; Noah, November 
24, 1904; Mary, September 10, 1908; Carrie, January 12, 1911. 

Mr. Motter lived at home till grown, attending the public school and taking a 
course at the State Normal School. He then went to Montana for two years. On 
his return he went into partnership with his father on the farm. When his parents 
died he bought part of the old place from the other heirs, and has lived there and 
farmed since. The place was originally part of the old Motter homestead, the land 
being entered by his father. There are 350 acres. He is a breeder of Poland-China 
hogs, Short-Horn cattle. He is a Democrat, a member of the Presbyterian church, 
and belongs to the M. W. A. lodge. 

JASPER N. SIBOLE, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Speelman) Sibole, was born 
in Belmont County, Ohio, December 22, 1844. He was married December 24, 1867, 
to Phoebe M. Cook, daughter of Thomas B. and Leah (Johnson) Cook. Mrs. Sibole 
was born in Dearborn County, Indiana, coming to Adair County in 1856. They 
had eight children: Jasper L., born October 28, 1868; Lovena W., October 21, 
1870, now the wife of W. L. Bybee; Phoebe E., July 11, 1872, died March 29, 1894; 
William C, May 24, 1876, died :\.Iarch 20, 1877; Mary E., May 31, 187S, died Oc- 
tober 29, 1880; Lillie E., September 13, 1880; John C., April 24, ISS3; Joseph B., 
April 9, 1886. All the children living are married except Lillie E. Clarence was 
married December 21, 1904, to Florence M. Still. 

Mr. Sibole moved to Indiana with his parents in 1846, lived there till 1856, 
then moved to Iowa. The next year he went to Sullivan County, lived there till 
his father's death in 1858, then moved to Jackson County with his mother, remain- 
ing there till 1863. He then came to Adair County where he has since lived contin- 
xiously and conducted a farm near Novinger. The farm is three miles northwest 
of Novinger, and consists of 125 acres. He handles Short Horn cattle. For the last 
few years Mr. Sibole has been unable to do much active farming on account of poor 
health, and his son, Clarence, is assisting in conducting the farm. 

J. N. Sibole is a RepubHcan and a member of the Church of Gad (Acts 20:28). 
His wife is a membes of the Methodist church. 



792 



The History of Adair County, 




BlOGUAPHlCAL. 



793 




Residence and barn of William Motter, near Connelsville 



794 



The History of Adaik (V)unty. 




Residences of J. N. and J. L. Sibolc, and their fine eatfle, near Novinger 



RiOCKAPIIKWL. 795 

COL. JOHN W. SNYDER, a native of Adair County, was born Aiifiusst 15, 
1S5G, lioing a son oi" Hiram and Minerva (Sliaw) Snyder. He was married Aufinsi 
16, 1S76, to Dnisilla Owings, daughter of William and Mary (Gray) Owings. Mrs. 
Snyder was born in Dearborn County, Indiana, September .S, 1S.56, coming to Sul- 
livan Coimty, Missouri, with her parents the following year. They had eight chil- 
dren: William T., born May IG, 1878; LiHie M., January IS, 1880, died January 
3, 1905, was the wife of James W. Sizemore; Hiram, January 3, 1883; Charles N., 
December 15, 1885; Leonard, January 9, 1888; Ella R., October 16, 1889, now wife 
of Edgar E. Bales; Bessie B., July 17, 1892, now the wife of Eugene George; Katie 
O., October 29, 1895. 

Hiram Snyder, father of John W. Snyder, was born in Dauphin County, Penn- 
sylvania, coming to Adair County in 1851. He was the father of eighteen children, 
seven by his first wife and eleven by the second. He also raised four step-children. 
Fourteen of the children are still living. 

John W. Snyder was born on a farm near Kirksville, lived in various parts of 
the county and spent one year in Putnam County. In 1862 his folk settled on a farm 
in Adair County, just south and east of where he now lives. Here he lived with his 
parents till grown, then married and began work for himself. He has been engaged 
in farming all his life. He is also an auctioneer and has followed tliat work, in ad- 
dition to farming, for the past twenty-eight years, being in that respect like his fath- 
er, who was both auctioneer and farmer. In his time he has sold millions of dollars 
worth of property, most of his work being in Sullivan, Putnam, Linn, Macon and 
Adair counties. At present he owns a farm of 356 acres, four and one-half miles 
.southeast of Greoncastle, most of it being in Sullivan County. 

THOMAS J. SANDERS was born in Wapello County, Iowa, March 13, 1845, 
being a son of Richard and Eliza Sanders. He was married January 30, 1873, to 
Sarah E. Atkinson, daughter of Phelix anfl Ercelia Atkinson. They harl eight chil- 
dren: Henry A., born August 5, 1874, now dead; William A., December 29, 1875, 
also dead; Ercelia E., July 21, 1877; Joseph J., June 25, 1879; Myrtle F., Septem- 
ber 24, 1882; Hugh R., April 3, 1886, now dead; Lemiel T., October 13, 1891; Irvin 
E., August 28, 1893. 

Mr. Sanders came to Adair County, Missouri, in 1857. He has a farm of 180 
acres, situated in the northwest part of Nineveh township. He does general farm- 
ing and stock raising. He is Reoublican in politics. 

ANDREW J. BOZARTH, son of Thaddeus W. and Elizabeth (Spivey) Bo- 
zarth, was born in Adair County, December 17, 1870. He was married November, 
1894 to Emma Shafer, daughter of Jacob and Josephine Shafer. 3.1rs. Bozarth was 
born in Adair Coimty May 22, 1870. They had three children: Phena May, born 
June 3, 1897; Mary Essie, July 22, 1901; Hazel Oletha, September 24, 1906. 

Mr. Bozarth was born and reared on the old Bozarth homestead, two miles 
east of where he now lives. He belongs to one of the oldest families in the county, 
some of them settling here in 1830. He lived at home till grown, but after his mar- 
riage began farming for himself, and has followed that occupation all his life. At 
present he owns a farm of 120 acres, six miles south of Stahl. He is a breeder of 
Short Horn cattle, Poland China hogs and Percheron horses. In politics he is a 
Democrat. 



796 



The History of Adair County. 



%^^^-^ 




Hcsiilciicc ;in(i I'ainily of .J. W. Siiyilcr ami his tlioroufihhnnl stock, 
4 1-2 soiitlieast of Cirecncastle 



BlOdRAPHlCAL. 



797 




Thomas. J. Sanders, near Shibley's Point 



798 



The History of Adair County. 




Mr. ami Mrs. T. W. Bozarth and the residoiice and family of their son, 
A. J. Bozarth, ti miles south of Stahl 



BlOHRAPHICAL. 790 

GEORGE W. WILLIAMS was horn in Ilolmos County, Ohio, January li, 
IS47. being a son of JohTi AL and Lydia Wilhnnis. lie was married Auf^ust 31, 1871, 
to MahaHa Johtison, daughter of James R. and Mary A. Johnson. Mrs. Wilhams 
was horn in Piipley County, Indiana, July 5, 18.51, coming to Adair County, Mi.s- 
souri in 18.")9. They had seven chikh-en: Charles A., born September 17, 1S77, 
died September 9, 1878; John IL, October 1, 1883, died June 30, 1909; Joseph W.! 
July 10, 1872; Ross L., December 20, 1874; Cora E., July 1, 1879, now Mrs. Wil- 
liam Capi)s; Eskie C, October 13, 1888; Maude K., April 1(5, 1891, now Mr.s. Cyrus 
^\■allace. 

Mr. Williams lived on the farm in Ohio till a young man, then in 18G9 came to 
Adair County, Missouri, settling where he now lives near Stahl. He has lived here 
and farmed continuously since coming to this county. His farm is three miles south 
of Stahl and contains 44 acres. He formerly owned 164 acres, but recently sold a 
l)art of it to his son. He is a Democrat in politics, and believes in the Holiness church. 

PHILIP WEBER was born in Ashland County, Ohio, September 28, 1852, a 
son of Alichael and Magdalene Weber. He came to Adair County in 1858, and was 
reared sixteen miles southwest of Kirksville. He has lived in this county contin- 
uously since coming here, and has always followed the occupation of farming. At 
present he owns a farm of 520 acres, three miles south of Pure Air. He is a breeder 
of Aberdeen- Angus cattle, Poland-China hogs, and buys, grows and sells Percheron 
liorses. He also has about one hundred stands of bees. 

Mr. Weber was married May 28, 1876, to Julia C. Eitel. She was born in Adair 
County, April 30, 1858, a daughter of Christopher and Catherine Eitel. They had 
eight children: William, born March 9, 1879; Henry, February 19, 1881, died No- 
vember 9, 1886; John T., August 1, 1884; James, September 25, 1886, died Septem- 
ber 26, 1896; Kate, February 16, 1889, now wife of Frank Darr; Isaac, July 15, 
1891, died October 22, 1896; Fannie, November 14, 1893, died January 20, 1894; 
Rosa B., August 14, 1896. Mr. Weber is a Republican. 

ADAM HERMAN, a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, was born November 
i;], 1859, being a son of Stephen and Teresa (Michaels) Herman. He was married 
August 2, 1880, to Elizabeth Jones, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Weaver) 
Jones. Mrs. Herman was born in SuUivan County, Tennessee, March 2, 1864. 
They had nine children, eight of whom are living: Emma A., born June 21, 1881, 
now the wife of William Ray; Rosa C, August 3, 1883, now Mrs. Lawrence Wil- 
hams; Roena B., September 18, 1885, now Mrs. Cleve Ray; Eliza C, October 13, 
1887, now Mrs. John Collins; Addie J., December 13, 1890, now Mrs. Leonard Sny- 
der; Bertha E., May 11, 1892, now Mrs. Elmer Snyder; Jerusha E., October 18, 
1895; Ehzabeth N., September 15, 1900, died March 7, 1901; Artie I., January 29, 
1902. 

Moving to Adair County with his parents when but seven years old, Mr. Herman 
has since made this county his home. They settled near where the present city of 
Xovinger now standi, and here he lived with, his parents until his marriage. All 
his life he has followed the occupation of farming. For the past twelve years he has 
(Hvned and run a threshing machine during the threshing season. At present he 
owns a farm of 160 acres, four miles south of Stahl, and raises Short Horn cattle, 
Poland-China hogs and Percheron horses. His farm is well impro\'ed. In pol- 
itics he is a Democrat. 



800 



The History of Adair County. 




Geo. Washiiifilon W'illiuiiis, ri'sidenco and family, 'A miles south of Stahl 



BlOfiRAPHlCAL 



801 




Residence and family of Adam Herman, barn and horses, 
4 miles south of Stahl 



802 



The History of Adair County 




Philip W(>ber',s residence, family and thoroiifjbivd bull, 
3 miles south of Pure Air 



Biographical. 



803 




Philip Websr's thoroughbred cattle on farm, 3 miles south of Pure Air 



804 The History of Adair County. 

ADAM HOERRMANN was born in Adair Countj', Missouri, near Kirksville, 
August 28, 1871, bt'ing a son of John M. and Christina R. (Hetzel) Hoerrmann. He 
was married September 10, 1905, to Mabel G. Williams, daughter of William M. 
and Caroline (Rapi)by) Williams. She was born in Adair County, May 29, 1885. 
They have two children: Richard M., born May 11, 1907; Rosa M., August 21, 
1909. 

Mr. Hoerrmann moved with his parents to a farm near Novinger when but a 
few months old, to the farm on which he now lives. Here he grew to manhood and 
completed the public school cour.se. He won first prize at spelling contest of rej)- 
resentatives of rural schools of Adair County, March 29, 1890, at Kirksville, giv(>n 
by Wm. Hartford, School Commissioner. He took a course in the Normal School 
at Kirksville, after which he taught school three years, twice at West Center and 
one term at Novinger. He then began farming, and has since followed that occu- 
pation. After Ws father's death, November 18, 1878, he lived at the old home place 
and helped care for his mother till her death, August 20, 1910. 

He now owns a farm of 730 acres, three and one-half miles southwest of Nov- 
inger. He is a breeder of Short Horn cattle, Duroc-Jersey hogs and Percheron horses. 
Coal underlies all of his land and has worked extensively Mine 21, Great Northern 
Fuel Company being on a part of his farm. He is also interested in several banks 
in Adair and Sullivan counties. 

In 1896 he was a candidate for assessor on the Popocratic ticket. He is a Dem- 
ocrat and a member of the K. of P. fraternity. 

JACOB HOERRMANN was born and reared on a farm near Kirksville. When 
six years old his parents moved near Novinger, where his father died seven years 
later. He lived at home with his mother till grown. At present he owns a farm of 
407 acres, known as the Knight farm, situated four miles northwest of Pure Air. He 
handles fine cattle, Shropshire sheep and Percheron horses. 

Mr. Hoerrmann was born November 28, 1865, being a son of Jolm and Chris- 
tina (Hetze!) Hoerrmann. He was married March 18, 1896, to Margaret Ellen 
Cain, daughter of George W. and Christina (Novinger) Cain. They have three chil- 
dren: George Bryan, born March 8, 1897; Mabel Leona, July 27, 1899; Cordic 
Opal, May 27, 1904. In politics he is a Democrat. 

GEORGE A. CAFFS, a native of Adair County, was born November 20, 1858, 
being a son of Andrew and Lucretia (Allen) Capps. He was married January 3, 
1884, to Ellen Stanley, daughter of Josiah and Hannah (Young) Stanley. Mrs. 
Capps was born in Adair County Jime 26, 1863. They had five children, four of 
whom are living: Arlie, born March 2, 1887; Ora, P'ebruary 18, 1889; Hallie, June 
30, 1897; Reta, May 13, 1903. The oldest child, a girl, died in infancy. 

Mr. Capps was reared on a farm in this county, near Stahl, where he lived till 
grown. After his marriage he began working for himself, and has always followeil 
the occuj)ation of farming. At present he owns a farm of 180 acres just west of Stahl, 
a part of it. being the old home place on which he was reared. The farm is well im- 
proved. He is a breeder of Aberdeen-Angus cattle, Duroc-Jersey hogs and Per- 
cheron horses. His son, Arlie Cap{)s, is a graduate of the Normal School at Kirks- 
ville, and is teaching at New London, Missouri. Gra Capps is now a student at the 
same institution, and is also a teacher. 

Andrew Capps, father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Tennessee, 
coming to Adair Coimty in 1845. He was killed at Centralia, during the massacre 
there at the time of the Civil War. 



Biographical. 



805 




Residence and family of Adam Hoerrman, 3 1-2 miles .southwest of Novinger 



806 



The HiisTORY of Apair (/orKTV. 




A «) 



Kcsidence, family and scene on farm of Jacol) lloerrman 
4 miles northwest of Pure Air 



Biographical. 



807 




Residence, barn and fine horses of G. A. Capps, near Stalil 



808 The History of Adair County. 

CHARLES C. HOWARD, son of Charles C. and Mary J. (Carney) Howard, 
was born February o, 1.S79, at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was married May 23, 1899, 
to Miss Dora M. Thrasher, daughter of John W. and Jane (Conkle) Thrasher. They 
have one child — Grace Ellen, born March 29, 1908. Mr. Howard was born on a 
farm. His mother died when he was about four years old, and he then made his 
home with his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Parcel, at Rutledge, Missouri. 
Here he lived till about grown, attending the high school of that city. He started 
in to learn the printer's trade in 1895, and in 1897 bought the Brashear News, which 
he conducted till 1906, when he bought the Kirksville Daily Express. He. con- 
ducted that paper until November 1, 1909, when he sold it to W. H. Ridgway and 
E. E. Swain. On April 15, 1910, he bought the Daily MLssourian, at Columbia, 
wliicli he conducted until July 1, 1911, when he started a new paper at that place, 
called the Daily Times. He has added new machinery, and now has what is con- 
sidered as one of the best, if not the best equipped daily newspaper office in a town 
of its size in the West. 

He belongs to the Odd Fellows, M. W. A. and Yoeman lodges, and he and his 
wife arc l)()th members of the Methodist Church, South. He is a RepubUcan. 

JOSEPH J. SANDERS is a son of Thomas J. and Sarah E. Sanders. He was 
born near Shibley's Point, June 25, 1879. He lived with his parents until grown. 
On August 12, 1900, he was married to Lulu Maud Hickman. She is a daughter of 
Joseph S. and Nancy E. Hickman. To this union two sons were born, Guy and 
Vernon Sanders. In 1901 he moved three miles northwest of Stahl on a farm of 
100 acres. He is a breeder of pure bred and registered Short Horn cattle and Duroc- 
Jersey swine. He has some as fine individuals as are to be found in the county. 

He is a member of M. W. A. and I. O. O. F. lodges. His wife is a member of 
the Presbyterian church. 

DR. R. EMMET HAMILTON, son of Henry S. and Margaret (Wiseman) 
Hamilton, was born March 16, 1878, at Edina, Missouri. He was married Decem- 
ber 2, 1903, to Katherine McMurry. They have two children: Virginia, born No- 
vember 27, 1906; Eugene, November 23, 1909. 

Mr. Hamilton came to Adair County with his parents in 1884, and has since 
made his home here. He attended the public schools; graduated from the Kirks- 
ville High School in 1894; graduated from the Missouri State Normal School at 
Kirksville in 1900; took a post-graduate course at the same institution; attended 
the Missouri State University; then the Chicago University, attending the medical 
department; graduated at the American School of Osteopathy in 1904; then was 
employed at the A. S. O. as laboratory assistant. He served as instructor till 1907, 
when he was promoted to Registrar, and in 1908 was made Dean of the Faculty, 
which position he held until Aug. 1911, when he removed to St. Joseph, Mo., to 
practice Osteopathy. 

FERNANDO W. CAIN was born on the old Cain homestead, May 15, 1864. 
He is a son of George W. and Christina (Novinger) Cain. He married Miss Geneva 
M. Jones December 27, 1889. She is a daughter of James W. and Melissa Jones. 
They have two children: Hazel H., born October 2, 1890, and Marian B., born March 
25, 1900. 

When marri('(|, .Mr. Cain left the old homestead to farm for himself. He bought 
his present farm in 189(), where he has since lived. The farm consists of 550 acres, 
one and one-half miles southeast of Novinger. It extends almost to the city limits. 
He is a breeder of Perclicroii and Morgan hor.ses. Mr. Cain is a Democrat. 



Biographical. 



809 




Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Howard, Columbia, Mo. 



810 



The History of Adair County. 




BlOCKArHICAL. 



811 




Dr. R. E. Hamilton, St. Joseph 
Formorlv Dpan of A. S. O. 



812 



The History of Adair County. 




F. W. Cain's residence and tiioroughbrcd horses, near Noving(>r 



Biographical. 813 

HENRY P. SHOUSE was born in Jvcntucky, December 5, ISoO, being a son of 
George \V. and Elizahcth (Uice) Shouse. He moved with his parents to Knox Coun- 
ty in lSo2, where he grew to manhooil. He was married to Miss MilHe McCoy, 
daughter of G. W. McCoy, in the year 1871. To their union were born six chil- 
(h-en, only one living: Cora died January 20, 1879; Frank died August 12, 1883; 
Pearl died June 6, 1884; Birdie died October 21, 1895; Tallie died November 11, 
1901; George W. was born August 10, 1875. 

He moved wnth his family to Colorado in 1879, where he remained four years. 
His wife died in 1883 in Greely, Coloratlo, after which he returned to Adair County, 
Missouri, and was m.irried to Martha Wilson, daughter of Joel and Angie (Da\'id- 
son) Wilson. Mrs. Shouse is a native of Adair County, Missouri, born June 2, 1859. 
They had seven chiklren born, only five of whom are living: Zack, born September 
21, 1885; Glenn, February 8, 1889; Odean, October 5, 1891, died January 25, 1892; 
Bertha, February 25, 1893, died March 17, 1894; Ruby, January 22, 1895; Bur- 
thel, November 21, 1897; Blanche, August 21, 1900. 

At present Mr. Shouse owns a farm on which he lives, consisting of seventy 
acres, five miles southeast of Gibbs, well improved. He is a Republican and a mem- 
ber of the Christian church. 

SAMUEL WALLACE (deceased) was born near Youngstown, Adair Count}-, 
Mis.som-i, August 28, 1875. He was a son of Robert and Jane Wallace. He was 
married January 20, 1900, to Julia Dunham, daughter of George H. and Sarah J. 
(Tracy) Dunham. Mrs. Wallace was born in Holt County, Nebraska, May 6, 1880. 
They had four children: Ruth, born January 20, 1901; Robert, December 9, 1902; 
Vera, November 26, 1904; George, August 9, 1907. 

He was reared on the old Wallace homestead, living at home till his marriage. 
He owned a farm of twenty acres, adjoining the old home place. He lived there 
from the time of his marriage till his death, August 28, 1907. Since his death his wid- 
ow and her brother, Henry Dunham, have been running the farm. 

He was a member of the M. W. A. lodge. 

M. W. PLATZ was born in LaGrange County, Indiana, January 25, 1866, 
being a son of Isaac and Hannah Platz. He was married August 11, 1889, to Lucj' 
Power, daughter of Benjamin and Annie Power. They have three children: Myron 
Bennie, born March 10, 1890; Cordie May, May 5, 1893; Elva Dee, August 31, 1898. 

]Mr. Platz moved with his parents to Adair County, Missouri, in the fall of 1880. 
He has since lived and farmed in this county. He now owns a farm of eighty acres, 
situated in Wilson township, north half of the northeast quarter of section 4, town- 
ship 61, range 13. He does general farming and stock raising. He is a Republican 
in politics and a member of the M. W. A. fraternity. 

WILLIAM D. JONES came to Adair County with his parents, James M. and 
Mary Jones, when seven years old, settling about two and one-half miles northwest 
of where he now lives. He lived at home till his marriage, then began farming for 
himself. This occupation he has followed all his life, and now owns a farm of 409 
acres, one mile northwest of Pure Air. He is a breeder of Hereford cattle, Poland- 
China hogs and Percheron horses. 

Mr. Jones was born in Sullivan County, Tennessee, October 14, 1866. He was 
married December 25, 1889, to Maggie Snyder, daughter of Samuel and Hester A. 
Snyder. They have four children: Clyde; Lura; Ross; John. Mr. Jones is a 
member of the Pure Air Draft Horse Company. In politics he is a Democrat. 



814 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 



815 




Barn and stock of Wm. D. Jones, 1 mile northwest of Pure Air 



816 The History of Adair County. 

CALVIN C. JAMES, son of Isaac and Nancy (Dean) James, was born at Fort 
Madison, Iowa, October 21, 1861. He was married December 13, 1880, to Margaret 
L. Dimliam, daughter of Armstead and Ellen (Dye) Dunham. They have five 
children: Lena E., born March 25, 1882; Harry C, January 13, 1885; Myrtle L., 
March 4, 1887, now Mrs. Calvin L. Chandler, of Louisiana, Missouri; Harry is also 
married and lives in Louisiana; Archie B., December 16, 1889, lives at Kirksville, 
Missouri; Isaac C, November 26, 1891, lives at Kirksville, Mis.souri. 

Mr. James was born on a farm. When nine years old he came to Adair County 
with his parents. He lived with them till fifteen years old, attending the public 
school, then started out for himself. He went to Iowa, working at various occupa- 
tions, till 1889, then started on the road as traveling salesman, and continued in 
that business till the spring of 1910. He returned to Adair County and resumed the 
occupation of farming, leasing the Dockery and Mills place, consisting of 140 acres, 
five and one-half miles northeast of Kirksville. He still lives on this place. 

Mr. James is a member of the M. W. A. lodge. 

LEMUEL JOHNSON was born in Indiana May 20, 1842, being a son of Moses 
and Phoebe Johnson. He was married May 8, 1878, to Nora J. Wandell, daughter 
of Lyman and Rebecca Wandell. They have two children: Jesse J., born Feb- 
ruary 10, 1882; Josephine, May 26, 1892. 

During the war Mr. John.son enlisted in Company A, 39th Missouri Volunteer 
Infantry, being honorably discharged at the close of the war. He has lived in this 
covmty most of his life, coming here with his parents in 1857. He now owns a farm 
of 340 acres, situated — 110 acres in section 6, 260 in section 8, and 70 in section o, 
in Wilson township, and does general farming and stock raising. He is a Repub- 
lican. 

JOHN J. MORGAN is a native of Illinois and was born in Pike County oi 
that state August 17, 1852, being a son of James R. and Maria A. (Bowman) Mor- 
gan. He was married February 11, 1877, to Nancy A. Morgan, a daughter of Lo- 
renzo D. and Lucy A. (Hargis) Morgan. Mrs. Morgan was born May 12, 1857, 
in Sullivan County and resided there until her marriage and came to Adair County 
in 1877. Although Mrs. Morgan's maiden name was the same as that of her hus- 
band, she was in no way related to him. They have two children: Susan J., born 
November 6, 1877, now the wife of Sam G. Wood, of Kirk.svillc; Clara O. A., Feb- 
ruary 16, 1895. 

Mr. Morgan moved with his parents to this county in 1856, driving overland 
from Illinois with an ox team. They settled in Liberty township, where his father 
bought a farm. Later his father sold out here and returned to Illinois, then to Iowa, 
Tennessee and other places, finally returning to Adair County in 1871, where he 
lived till his death, August 12, 1889. The elder Morgan was a native of Tennessee 
and was born October 9, 1823. Mr. Morgan did not return to Illinois with his father, 
but remained here, making his home with his grandmother, Mrs. Lynch, and has 
made his home here continuously since 1856. He livcnl on the farm till 1873, when 
he came to Kirksville, learning the brick and stone mason trade, and has been en- 
gaged in this business continuously since that time. For a number of years he and 
his son-in-law, S. G. Wood, have also been engaged in the house raising and moving 
business. Then in 1907 they added the manufacture of cement blocks to their other 
business. Mr. Morgan owns a very pretty home on West Harrison Street, where 
they have liver! for the past thirty years. 



Biographical. 



817 




53 



818 



The History of Adair County. 




r-i r 




Residence and f.imilv of J. J. Mi)rji:ui, Kirksville 



Biographical. 819 

DEWITT C. GIBBS, son of A. L. and Mary A. (Garrabrant) Gibbs, is a native 
of Adair County. His wife was formerly Etta Boone. They were married January 
1, 1S90. Her parents were George H. and Alary (Smallwood) Boone. Tliey have 
no children. 

Born and reared on the old Gibbs homestead, he lived on the farm till grown, 
attending the public school. The city of Gibbs was built on a part of the old farm. 
Gibbs was started by him and his brother, F. W. Gibbs, and named in the honor of 
their father. 

Mr. Gibbs also took a course at the Smith Business College at Kirksville. After 
quitting school he conducted a store for James Whittacre at Gibbs for a short time, 
then went into the mercantile business at that place for himself. He conducts a store 
called the "Square Deal" at that place. He is a Republican in politics and has al- 
ways taken a keen interest in public affairs. He belongs to the I. O. O. F. and M. 
W. A. While not a member of any church organization, he is a strong believer in 
the teachings of the Universalist church, being taught in early boyhood to believe 
in an all-wise God and victorious Savior, time and study has only the more con- 
vinced him that God is Father of all, Christ the Savior of all, Heaven the home of all. 

VALANTINE A. JUDD was born in Louis\alle, Kentucky, September 15, 1835. 
His parents, Valantine W. and Rachel (Crannells) Judd, brought him to Adair Coun- 
ty, Missouri, in 1850, settling near the present town of Youngstown, where they en- 
tered land. When grown, Mr. Judd began farming for himself. He has always been 
a farmer, and has lived in this county continuously since 1850. The farm he now 
owns is near Youngstown, just south of where he was reared. He has 128 acres. 
Near his home was built the first grist mill in the county by Col. Jones. 

Mr. Judd was married to Delia Beeman April 6, 1867. She was a daughter of 
Martin and Mary A. Beeman, and was born in Ohio, August 13, 1825, coming to 
Adair County, Missouri, in 1845. Mrs. Judd died April 12, 1910. They had no 
children. Mrs. Judd was formerly the wife of Jeff Allen. They were married De- 
cember 16, 1844. They had five children: Louisa, now Mrs. James Kiems; Eliza- 
beth, now Mrs. Robert Gray; Maggie, now Mrs. Lower Kibler; Jacob; Josephine, 
now Mrs. L C. Simler. Mrs. Kiems and Mrs. Simler are both residents of this county. 

Mr. Valantine Judd is a Republican in politics, and a member of the G. A. R. 
In 1864 he joined Company A, 39th Missouri Infantry, and served till the close of 
the war. 

JASPER L. SIBOLE, a farmer and coal dealer living near Novinger, Mis- 
souri, was born in Adair County, Missouri, Oct. 28, 1868, being a son of Jasper N. 
and Phoebe (Cook) Sibole. He was married Nov. 15, 1896, to Retta Long, daugh- 
ter of William G. and Sarah A. (Dunham) Long. They had two children; Clifford 
L., born March 13, 1899, Sadie L., July 3, 1901. One child, a boy, died in in- 
fancy. Mrs. Sibole is also a native of Adair County, born May 4, 1875, and comes 
from one of the oldest families in the county, both on her father's and mother's 
.side . 

Born on a farm in North Nineveh township, 1 mile east of Shibley's Point, 
Mr. Sibole lived with his parents till grown, then married and began farming for 
himself. He has been engaged in that occujjation all his life. At present he owns 
a farm of eighty acres, three miles northwest of Novinger. The land is underlaid 
with coal, much of it having been worked, Rombauer mine No. 3 being on his 
land. He does general farming and stock raising. 

Mr. Sibole is a Republican. For six years he served as constable of Nineveh 
township and was also road overseer of his district for some years. His wife is a 
member of the Church of God. 



820 



The History of Adair County. 




iSeWitt C. Gibbs' store at Gibbs 



Biographical. 



821 




Residence and barn of V. A. Judd, near Youngstown 



822 



The History of Adair County 




Residence and barn of Wm. F. Niece, 2 miles sonthwestof Pure Air 



RlOGRAl'IlU'AL. 823 

WILLIAM F. NIECL, son of George and liarhara Niece, is a native of Adair 
County. He was born October 20, 1859, near Pure Air. He has been engaged in 
farming all his life. The home of W. F. Niece is one of the prettiest in the county. 
He has oOO acres of land, two miles southwest of Pure ^Vir. The farm is well improved, 
and the house is equipped with modern conveniences. He is a breeder of Short- 
Horn cattle, Poland-China hogs and Percheron horses. 

Mr. Niece was marrietl December 21, 18S4, to Mattie L. Taylor. She was horn 
March 26, 1865, in Sullivan County, being a daughter of David I. and Nancy J. 
(Hannah) Taylor. Mr. and Mrs. Niece have no chilflren, but reared a nephew, 
Albert Eschmann, son of Mr. Niece's sister. He was born Dec(>mbe.r 2(), 1889. Mr. 
Niece belongs to the Republican party. 

JOHN W. KIMBERLY came with his parents in a wagon, from Defiance Coun- 
ty, Ohio, and settled in the western part of Adair County, Missouri, where his father 
lived and farmed till his death June 1, 1910. His mother is still living. Mr. Kim- 
berly liver! at home till grown, then went to the Pacific Coast, engaging in the logging 
business for a time. He was also in the abstract business at Mount Vernon, \\'ash- 
ington. In 1887 he returned to Adair County, Missouri, and has been engaged in 
farming and stock raising here since that time. He owns a farm of 240 acres, five 
and one-half miles southwest of Sta.hl. He is a breeder of Short-Horn cattle, Per- 
cheron horses and Poland-China hogs. 

John Kimberly was born in Defiance County, Ohio, February 14, 1861, being 
a son of Ira and Margaret (Wilson) Kimberly. He was married October 14, 1888, 
to Maggie Anderson, daughter of Bryant and Martha (Dupree) Anderson. Mrs. 
Kimberly was born in Marion Count}', Indiana, September 11, 1865, coming to this 
county the same year. They had four children: Roscoe D., born October 29, 
1889; S. Bland, May 15, 1894; Randall J., November 9, 1901; Raymond M., June 
S, 1905. 

Mr. Kimberly is interested in other business enterprises besides his farm, being 
a stockholder and director in the Novinger Bank. He served eight years as Justice 
of the Peace of Morrow township, and director for Morrow township for the Adair 
County Mutual Insurance Company. He was the Democratic candidate for the 
Legislature in 1902, and was beaten by only a few votes. In 1898 he was also his par- 
ty's nominee for Probate Judge and was defeated by a ver}' small margin. 

FRANCIS M. GILLILAND is a native of Morgan County, Ohio, born No- 
vember 8, 1855. He is a son of Jesse M. and Elizabeth Gilliland. He was married 
January 6, 1881, to Eva M. Phipps, daughter of Samuel H. and Mary Phipps. Mrs. 
Gilliland was born in Noble County, Ohio, May 16, 1855. They have three children: 
Nora P., born February 10, 1894; Alta M., born February 22, 1896; Shirley M., 
born August 11, 1899. 

Reared on a farm in Ohio, Mr. Gilliland lived at home till twenty-five years old. 
He learned the carpenter's trade, and worked at that business in Ohio till a few months 
after his marriage. He then came to this county, where he has since lived, following 
carpentering and contracting several years. He then went to farming, in which oc- 
cupation he is still engaged. At present he owns a farm of 232 acres, one and one- 
half miles south of Pure Air. He is a breeder of Short-Horn cattle, Poland-China 
hogs, and Percheron horses. 

Mr. Gilliland is a Democrat in politics. He has served as assessor of Adair 
County for two terms, from 1890 to 1894. He is a large stockholder and director 
of the Novinger Bank, and helped organize that institution. 



824 



The History of Adair County. 




Residence, family, l):irii and horses of .J. W. Kimberly, 5 1-2 mi. southwest of Stahl 



BlOGHAPHICAL. 



825 




Residence, family, barn and stock of F. M. GiUiland, 1 1-2 milrs south of Pure Air 



826 



The History of Adair County 




U. S. (!. Keller, Probate Ju(ljj;e 



Biographical. 827 

JUDGE U. S. G, KELLER, known as (inmt Keller, was born in Adair 
County, Missouri, March 15, 1S(J4, being a son of Samuel M. and Nancy (Crab- 
tree) Keller. He was married Sept. 24, 1896, to Miss Effie J. Burns, daughter of 
A. H. and Martha J. Burns. They have six children: Sam B., aged thirteen; 
Homer, L., eleven; Carl (iiaiit. nine; Thomas Earl, seven; Frederick, five; Clinton 
Hadley, two. 

Judge Keller was born and reared on a farm seven miles east of Kirk>villc. 
His father died when Mr. Keller was five years old and ho continued to live with 
liis mother till his marriage, helping to run the (jld home farm. He then bought 
a part of the old home place, and continued the occupation ( f farming til! l(l()2, 
when he was elected Probate Judge. At this time he moved to Kirksville to take 
charge of his office. In 1906 he was re-elected and again in 1910, the term being 
four years. He still owns his farm of 108 acres, eight miles east of Kirksville. He 
also owns six acres and a residence property in Kirksville. 

Judge Keller is an ardent Republican in politics and belongs to the Masonic, 
I. O. O. F., K. of P., Elks, Yoemcn, M. W. A., Redmen, A. T. A., Homesteaders 
and Sons of Veteran Fraternities. He is a member of the Methodist church. 

WILLIAM McPIIETRIDGE is a native of Adair County, born near Novinger 
March 30, 1849. His parents were William and Minerva McPhetridge. He was 
married November 21, 1869, to Lizzie Bozarth, daughter of Milton J. and Julia Bo- 
zarth. Mrs. McPhetridge was also born in this county, October 27, 1848. Thej^ 
had six children, four of whom are living: Clarence M., born August 29, 1870, died 
September 2, 1872; Eva S., born June 15, 1872, now Mrs. Jacob Shafer; CeUa R., 
October 31, 1874, now Mrs. Ira Wimber; Sarah J., March 21, 1878, now Mrs. O. A. 
Bliven; one child died in infancy, Oracle F. McPhetridge, born August, 1886. 

Mr. McPhetridge lived at home till grown and married. He now owns a farm 
adjoining his home place, consisting of 240 acres, one mile west of Novinger. The 
land is part of the old McPhetridge homestead, land entered by his father. His 
father was a native of Tennessee, born in 1813. He came to this county in 1841, 
living here till his death in 1878. Mrs. McPhetridge also belongs to an old family, 
some of her people coming here in 1833. Her cousin, J. M. Bozarth, claimed to be 
the first white child born in the county. 

William McPhetridge is a Democrat, and a member of the Presbyterian church. 
On August 8, 1862, soon after the battle of Kirksville, he joined Capt. Arnold's Com- 
pany and Col. Franklin's regiment, but saw only a little service. 

JUDGE SEYMOR J. REED was born in Will County, Illinois, July 24,1854, 
being a son of Waterman and Ruth (Ingraham) Reed. He was married November 
3, 1878, to Minnie C. Elmore, daughter oi William and Eliza Elmore. They had 
seven children, only four of whom are living: Olive, born February 22, 1880, now 
the wife of J. A. Bundy; Waterman W., July 8, 1881; Eliza, March 17, 18S3, now 
Mrs. J. C. Hynds; J&ssie, June 17, 1892, now the wife of Jesse Patton. 

Mr. Reed moved to Adair County with his parents in 1869, settling near Old 
^^■ilsontown. He was reared there on a farm, attending the public school. He 
afterward took a course at the State Normal School at Kirksville. He taught school 
for a short time, also engaged in railroad business one year, then took up the occu- 
pation of farming and has followed it continuously since. He owns a farm of 245 
acres, two miles west of Gibbs, Missouri. Mrs. Reed was born in Adair County, 
being a member of one of the oldest families in the county. 

S. J. Reed is a Republican and was elected Judge of the County Court, second 
district, serving for a period of two years. 



828 



The History of Adair County. 




.Indue GrMiit, KoUcr aiid fainily 



BlOGRAPHICAT. 



829 



^ 



OR 



p 




830 



The History of Adair County, 




I'uinily ;ui(i lesiiK'iice, W in. McPhftiidfie near Novinj!;er 



BlOORAI'IIICAL. 831 

A. R. ZENTZ was born in Stark County, Ohio, January 1 1, 1S45. Ills parents 
were George and Susan (Reed) Zentz. He was married May 2, 1S72, to liarl)ara 
E. Wares of Maeon County. Mrs. Zentz is a daughter of WilHani and Polly Wares. 
They had eight children, six of whom are living: Richard, ))()rn February 4, 1S73, 
died May 6, 1888; J. F., November 26, 1875, died June 5, 1909; Sylvester, January 
18, 1881; Lyla E., June 27, 1883; George E., DetH'inber 12, 18S.-); Aubrey L., Sep- 
tember 6, 1887; Irvin, November 17, 1891; Ray, March 17, 189:5. 

Mr. Zentz lived on the farm in Ohio till August 12, 1862, when lu; enlisted in 
Company B., 104 Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served till June 28, 1865, when he 
was honorably discharged. I'or the last eighteen months of his service he served as 
special messenger for headquarters of the Army of Ohio, at Cincinnati, being stationed 
at Camp Dennison. In the early part of the war he saw much active service. At 
the close of the war he returned home and worked at the carpenter's trade for two 
years, then went to Pennsylvania for a few months. In June 1868, he came to Mis- 
souri and settled in Macon County, working at the carpenter's trade and farming. 
In 1891 he moved to Brashear and later bought a farm four miles southeast of that 
place, where he lived till the spring of 1910, when he moved back to Brashear. He 
turned the farm over to his sons, George and Aubrey. It is known as Fairview farm, 
and consists of 160 acres, eighty acres being in Knox County. 

Mr. Zentz and his wife are members of the United Brethren church. He 
belongs to the G. A. R. lodge. 

JUDGE JACOB H. SHOOP was born and reared on the old Shoop farm, one 
and one-fourth miles northeast of Novinger. He lived at home with his parents 
till grown, then formed a partnership with his father, married and continued to live 
at the old home place. After the death of his parents he bought the other heirs out 
of their portion of the property, and continued to live on the home farm. Fie still 
lives there and also owns a fruit farm in South Mi-ssouri. He has an interest in the 
Novinger Bank and is interested in various other business enterprises. He is a .stock- 
holder and director in the Burk Bros. Packing Compan}^ 

Mr. Shoop was born December 13, 1865, a son of Philip D. and Frances Shoop. 
He was married March 22, 1896, to Julia Fox,daughter of Martin and Johanna (Smith) 
Fox. Mrs. Shoop was born in St. Louis, November 14, 1875, coming to Adair County 
in 1878. They have three children: Sadie J., born February 24, 1897; Flora C, 
December 4, 1900; Frances S., December 7, 1907. 

Philip D. Shoop, his father, was born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, March 
i6, 1834, and came to Adair County in 1842. He lived here till his tleatii in 1902. 
He was also a member of the County Court from the same district in which his son 
is now serving. This district has also been served in that capacity by four of his 
relatives; James H. Novinger, S. F. Stahl, Adam Shoop, and G. W. Novinger. 

Jacob H. Shoop is a Democrat in politics. He was defeated in 1904 for Repre- 
sentative in the State Legislature in the Republican landslide of that year, but ran 
500 votes ahead of the national Democratic ticket. In 1910 he was elected County 
Judge of the first district on the Democratic ticket. The district is normally 300 
Republican majority. He is a member of the K. of P. lodge. Besides his other 
interests he owns one-half interest in 480 acres in Canada. 



832 



The History of Adair County. 




City residence of A. K. Zcntz, lirashear ;ui(i country roHidence, oust of Braslicai 



Biographical. 



833 




834 The History of Adair County. 

JAMES H. KINNEAR wats born in Jefferson County, Indiana, August 29, 
1841, and is a son of William D. and Barbara Kinnear. He was married March 22, 
1872, to Millie A. Grisham. They have no children. 

Mr. Kinnear was born and reared on a farm in Indiana, and lived there with his 
parents till the beginning of the Civil War. He then enlisted in Company D, 13th 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, this being the first regiment in Indiana enlisting for 
three years' service. It has the record of making the first charge and capture of 
artillery and flag of any three year regiment in the service. This capture was made 
July 11, 1861, at Rich Mountain, West Virginia. He served in Virginia till 1863, 
and was then sent to Charleston, South Carolina. He was engaged in the siege of 
Charleston and assisted in constructing the celebrated "Swamp Angel" used in that 
engagement. He re-enlisted at Jacksonville, Florida, December 8, 1864. In April, 
1865, he returned to Virginia as a member of the second division oi the Army of the 
James, and took part in all the battles in which that division was engaged. He 
was sent to re-enforce Grant at Cool Harbor in June, 1864; then to Petersburg, and 
took fiart in all the battles along the Potomac up to December, 1864. He was then 
sent to Fort Fisher and assisted in its capture January 15, 1865. The army was then 
sent to Wilmington, North Carolina, and Mr. Kinnear remained there with his de- 
tachment till mustered out of service, September 23, 1865, as First Lieutenant, Com- 
pany B, 13th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. 

At the close of the war Mr. Kinnear returned home and remained there till 1867, 
then went to Minnesota, remaining till 1870. He then came to Kirksville, where 
he has since lived. Immediately after coming here he went into the saddle and har- 
ness business, continuing that business till 1909. At that time he sold out and re- 
tired from business. 

Mr. Kinnear is an ardent Republican and has been much honored by his party. 
He has been a delegate to almost every convention in the district, county and state, 
for many years, and was also a delegate to the National Convention, at Minneapolis, 
in 1892. He was a member of the City Coimcil for a number of terms and served 
as Sheriff of Adair County from 1885 to 1889, two terms. Mr. Kinnear is an en- 
thusiastic member of the Masonic order and has held all the highest offices in the gift 
of that fraternity. 

RALPH R. CAMPBELL was born in McDonough County, lUinois, January 
5. 1887, a son of K. B. and Matilda A. Campbell. He was married December 16, 
190S, to Grace Dickson. They have no children. 

Mr. Campbell was born on a farm in Illinois, but when he was four years old 
his parents moved to Stronghurst, Illinois, where his father went into business. He 
graduated from the high school at Stronghurst and also the State Normal School, 
at Kirksville, Missouri. 

Mr. Campbell moved to Adair County, ^Sli.ssouri, with his parents in 1902, 
and has lived here continuously since. After completing his course at the Normal 
School he taught school two years at Milan, Missouri. In the meantime his father 
had gone into the banking business at Gibbs, and he quit teaching and entered the 
bank as assistant cashi(>r and was later promoted to cashier, which position he now 
holds. 

He is l\e])ublican in politics, and he and his wife are both members of the Chris- 
tian cliurch. He is a member of the official board of the church at Ciibbs. 



Biographical. 



835 




836 The History of Adair County. 

FRANK M. BUCKINGHAM was born in Birmingham, Iowa, December 29, 
1865, being a son of l^xivvurd Dorsey and Susan Buckingham. He was married 
August 24, 1893, to Hettie Florence Power, of Memphis, Missouri, daughter of James 
Power. Two children have been born to thorn: Mildred, October 7, 1896; James 
Dorsey, October .30, 1901. 

Mr. Buckingham's mother died when he was small and he moved with his father 
to Knox County, Missouri, when about ten years old. They lived there on a farm 
till 1873, when they moved to Adair County, settling near Brashear. He lived 
there on a farm and assisted in running it till 1884, when his father died. He came 
to Kirksville in the fall of 1887 and went to work in the Journal office, learning the 
printer's trade. He remained with that paper till 1903, when he gave up his potf- 
tion and moved to Green City. He lived there till the spring of 1911 and was en- 
gaged in the wholesale produce business. At that time he sold his interest thtre 
and returned to Kirksville, accepting the position of bookkeeper and general so- 
licitor for the Kirksville Journal, which place he still holds. Mr. Buckingham is 
interested in other business enterprises, is a stockholder and director of the Bank 
of Green City, and owns stock in the Journal Printing Company and Kirksville 
Trust Company. 

He is a member oi the Masonic Lotlge, No. 10.5, Kirksville. He is a Republican 
in politics. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian church. 

AUGUSTUS M. ELLIS, son of Daniel R. and Elanor (Thompson) Ellis, was 
born January 26, 18.52, in Brown County, Ohio. He moved to Iowa with his parents 
when eight years old, and lived there with them till twenty years of age, then they 
came to Adair County. His father died in 1876, and Mrs. Ellis makes her home 
with her son Augustus M. Mr. Ellis has heen engaged in farming all his life. He 
owns 142 acres of well improved land, three miles southwest of Kirksville, also SO 
acres one and one-half miles south of his home place, and handles Pollcd-Angus, 
Short-Horn and Jersey cattle, doing a dairy business, He also raises Poland-China 
and Duroc Jersey hogs. 

Mr. Ellis and his mother are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

LEWIS CLEVENGER was born April 29, 1885, at Indianola, Iowa. He is 
a son of Jasper N. and Mary Clevenger. He lived at home till grown, then went into 
mining business. In 1903 he moved to Connelsville. Here he followed the mining 
business till 1910, when he began teaching school, an occupation in which he is still 
engaged. 

Mr. Clevenger took a course in instrumental music at Des Moines Musical Col- 
lege, and is a very accomplished pianist. He is a very active worker in the Odd Fel- 
low lodge, and is now grand representative of District twenty-one. 

WILLIAM EVANS is a native of Wales, born January 29, 1854. His parents 
were John and Elizabeth Evans. He was married December 20, 1893, to Nannie 
Brackney, daughter of George Washington and Martha Brackney. They have 
si.\ chil(h-en: George W., born December 16, 1894; Elizabeth, August 8, 1896; 
Frank David, January 22, 1899; Joseph E., November 5, 1900; .lohn, September 
25, 1902; Daniel, March 25, 1906. 

Mr. Evans came to Adair County, Missouri, in November, 1890, and has since 
lived liere and farmed. He emigrated from Wales when a young man. He now 
owns a farm of 240 acres, 4 miles south of Gibbs. He is a Republican and a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, North. He is interested in thz civil and edu- 
cational developments of the county, and is a loyal citizen. 



Biographical. 



837 



o 




o 



o 





838 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 



839 



K 




840 The History of Adair County. 

ALBERT SMITH, son of Jefferson and Mar{;aret (Chandler) Smith, was born 
in Adair County, one mile west of Kirksville, Missouri, September 20, 1874. He 
was married December 24, 1896 to AHce E. EUis. Mrs. Smith was born in Adair 
County, September 1, 1875, a daughter of Daniel R. and Elanor (Thompson) Ellis. 
They have one child: Clarence A., born Octobers, 1897. 

Mr. Smith was reared on a farm near Kirksville. He lived at home with his 
parents until sixteen years old, then made his home with A. W. Cunningham in 
this county till twenty-two years of age. He then began farming for himself, con- 
tinuing in that occupation since that time. When married he went into business 
with his brother-in-law, A. M. Ellis. They live together on a farm three miles 
southwest of Kirksville. The farm consists of 142 acres of well improved land and 
a pretty home. Mr. Smith is a member of the M. W. A. lodge, and belongs to 
the Methodist church. 

GEORGE W. EITEL, son of Christopher and Catherine (Etzel) Eitel, was 
born December 2.'), 1864. He is a native of this county, born twelve miles south of 
Kirksville. He wns united in marriage February 14, 1906, to Cora B. Sutton. Mrs. 
Eitel was born in Sullivan County, August 18, 1878, a daughter of Thomas and Polly 
Sutton. They have no children. Mr. Eitel lived in the Illinois Bend neighborhood 
till 1872, then moved to the Pure Air neighborhood, where he has since lived. He 
owns a farm of 120 acres, two miles south of Pure Air. He is a breeder of Percheron 
horses, and a member of the Pure Air Horse Breeders' Association. 

Christopher Eitel, father of George Eitel, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, 
July 27, 1836. He came to this county in 1855, and died May 19, 1908. His wife 
is still living, and makes her home with her daughters, Mrs. Philip Carnagey and 
Mrs. Lewis Schillie. 

Mr. Eitel is Republican in politics. Mrs. Eitel is a memlier of the Methodist 
Church, South. 

ROBERT DOLAN, a farmer and stock raiser living near Novinger, was born 
in Cass County, Illinois, August 16, 1868, and moved to Adair County, Missouri, 
with his parents, Patrick and Malinda (Wurtman) Dolan, when about a year old, 
settling near Novinger. Living at home till grown, he attended the public school 
and took a course at the Normal School at Kirksville, also attended the private nor- 
mal school at Chillicothe. After teaching school ten years, principally in Adair 
County, he began farming, and has followed that occupation since, always making 
his home in Adair County since coming here. He is a breeder of Short-Horn cattle, 
Duroc- Jersey hogs, Percheron horses, etc. 

Mr. Dolan was married December 13, 1892, to Cora Lake, daughter of Leonidas 
and Nancy (Cory) Lake. She was born in Clark County February 18, 1870. They 
had eight children: Olney B., born September 30, 1893; David L., December 14, 
1895; Stella L.. February 28, 1898; Claude L., July 9, 1900; Keturah Pauline, 
March 21, 1903; Gladys A., July 22, 1905, died December 3, 1906; Lola F., Septem- 
ber 27, 1907; Tolcy Nelson, Dec(>mber 20, 1910. Mr. Dolan is a Democrat, a mem- 
ber of the Methodist church, and belongs to the I. O. (). F. lodge. 



BlOGRAl^HICAL. 



841 




ilesidence, family and scene on farm of Robt. Dolan, near Novinger 



842 



The Hjstoky of Adair County. 




Residence, !);uii, and .sc-enc on farm of (Jco. W. Eitel, 
2 miles soutli of Pure Air. 



T^HXiHAl'UlCAL. 8i3 

CALVIN J. BARGER, born in Adams County, Illinois, July 27, 1862, is 
a son of Daniel ami Martha 0^■ilIar(l) Bar^<>r. He lived on tlic farm in Adams Coun- 
ty until urowii, then married and farmed for himself. In 1.S92 he came to Adair 
County, }iIissouri, and bought a farm of 107 acres, four and one-half miles north- 
east of Kirksvillc, where he still resides. The farm is a splendid one, with modern 
improvements and a pretty home. He does general farming, has Jersey cattle, 
Chester \\hite hogs, and fine horses. 

Mr. Barger was married November 25, 1886, to Miss Mary Clark, daughter 
of Davitl and Cornelia Clark, who were old settlers of Adair County. They have 
four children: Iva Eunice, born October 10, 1S93; Orpha Ellen, November 11, 
1S95; Choe M. D., March 23, 1898; Carlin David, Feb. 12, 1900. 

C. J. Barger is a Democrat in politics. He and his wife are affiliated with the 
United Brethren church. 

D. P. OTTO, a native of Boone County, Missouri, was born September 15, 
1881, being a son of Michael Otto. In 1884 his parents brought him to Adair County, 
where he has since lived. At present he owns a good farm of 297 1-2 acres of land in 
Adair County, in connection with his brother, W. H. Otto, and engages in stock rais- 
ing, making a speciality of raising fine jacks. He is a Democrat in politics and be- 
longs to the I. O. O. F. lodge, No. 553, at Sperry. 

W. H. OTTO, a native of Boone County, Missouri, was born November 25, 
1874, being a son of Michael and P. S. Otto. He was married October 19, 1910, to 
Leona Voss, daughter of George and Mary Voss. He came to Adair County, Mis- 
.souri, with his parents in 1884, making this his heme since that time. In connection 
with his brother, D. P. Otto, he owns 297 acres of land situated near Sperry. They 
make a speciality of raising fine jacks. Near here was foaled and raised Missouri 
Queen, the famous mule which took the premiums at the State Fair. 

Mr. Otto is a Democrat and a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge. No. 553, at Sperry. 

GEORGE A. DAVIS, son of John A. and Martha J. (Gatlen) Davis, was born 
in Schuyler County, January 26, 1869. He married Miss Mary C. Baker, November 
24, 1894. Mrs. Davis is a daughter of John and Caroline (Swagert) Baker. They 
have three children living and two dead: Caroline, born February 27, 1897, died in 
inft^ncy; Cleola, April 13, 1898, died August 13, 1900; Forest, April 29, 1901; Au- 
brey, April 23, 1903; and George O., born October 10, 1907. 

Mr. Davis was reared on a farm just across the line in Schuyler County, living 
there with his parents till grown and married. He then started farming for him- 
self. He was in the bridge building business in Schuyler County for twelve years; 
doing much of that work in this county. In 1906 he bought his present farm, where 
he has since resided. His farm consists of 280 acres one mile east of Yarrow. He 
raises Black Pole cattle, Poland-China hogs, and Shropshire sheep. 

Mr. Davis is a Democrat and a member of the I. O. O. F., M. W. A., and Royal 
Neighbor (Masonic) lodges. 

T. O. PEMBERTON is a native of Adair County, Missouri, born in Wilson 
township January .3, 1886. He is a son of Hayden and Sophia Pemberton. He was 
married September 3, 1905, to Ethel C. Boon, daughter of George and Ida Boon. 
They have one child — Thomas Boon, born June 10, 1908. 

Mr. Pemberton owns 120 acres of land situated one mile northeast of Gibbs. 
He engages in general farming and stock raising. He is a Democrat and a member 
of the Christian church. 



844 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 



845 




846 



The History of Adair County. 




lirsidcnco, barn and lu.rscs of Coo. A. Davis, near Yarrow 



Biographical. 



847 



c 




848 



The History of Adair County. 




Shibley's Point School, J. I. Hess, Teacher, 1911 



JACOB IRVING HESS, a pubUc school teacher, was born July 31, 1887, near 
Tiima, Illinois. He was reared on a farm. He was educated in the country schools 
of Adams Count}', graduated from the Lima Public Schools in 1906. He attended 
the Chillicothe Normal School, Chillicothe, Missoiu'i, two years, 1909-10. He is 
at present f)rincipal of the Connelsville High School of this county. He is author 
of "Songs of the Mississippi," a volume of poems and other selections. 

The names of his parents are Jacob and Amanda. He owns a farm near Lima, 
Ilhnois. He is single, a Republican in politics, a member of the Christian church, 
and belongs to the Court of Honor Lodge. He lives in the City of Kirksville. 
Mr. Hess has contributed the following poem on Kirksville: 

Kirksville — that beautiful little town. 

Is a shining star in America's crown. 

Proud she rises grand and fair 

In the rich old county of Adair. 

Her Court House of marble and granite and stone, 

I'^or beauty and grace stands in grandeur alone. 



BlOCUAl'HICAL. 849 

Oil top of tlic building the .statur of gold 

Reminds one of marble crown'd Athens of old. 

Hqr cool shady avenues are bordered with trees, 

The sweet songs of birds softly rise on the bn^eze. 

Her fame has spread, and her railways run 

To every land 'neath the shining sun. 

The Kirksville State Normal is one of the best 

Of the schools that stand in the East or West. 

The Osteopath College with students fill. 

The science, discovered by Doctor Still, 

Is growing and spreading year by year; 

The school is known everywhere. 

Few such cities as Kirksville stand. 

Whether here or a foreign land; 

With churches and factories and foundries and homes, 

Public schools, steeples and spires and domes; 

With a people courteous, gentle and bright, 

Who alwa.ys stand on the side of right. 

In such a city so proudly grand. 

With the glory of Nature on every hand, 

With the star-spangled banner unfurled on high, 

'Neath the cloudless dome of the deep blue sky, 

Kirksville could not be other than great, 

The prettiest town in the entire State. 

Of Missouri, whose star shall ever be 

A jewel on the banner of Liberty. 

GEORGE LORTON was born in Kirksville, December 28, 1886, a son of La- 
fayette and Anna Lorton. He was married February 22, 1911, to Ada Millay, daugh- 
ter of Robert T. and Laura Millay. 

Mr. Lorton is a staunch Republican. He served as deputy county clerk from 
1907 to 1909, under J. T. Waddill. He entered the grocery and meat business De- 
cember 1, 1909, the firm being known as Kerns & Lorton. Mr. Lorton is a partner 
of Mr. Kerns. Thej' occupy a building in Miller Block, Kirksville. Mr. Lorton 
was reared on a farm, north of Kirksville. He attended the State Normal School 
from 1903 to 1904. He belongs to the Elks, Masons, K. of P., and M. W. A. lodges. 

OBEDIAH LOWE was born in Adair County, Missouri, December 31, 1865, 
being son of Andrew and Effie (Allbright) Lowe. He was married August 6, 1893, 
to Lula M. Ginnings, born November 3, 1875. She is a daughter of James H. and 
Sarah Ginnings. They have two children: Virgil, born November 24, 1894; Glenn, 
December 30, 1896. 

Mr. Lowe was born and reared on a farm, living on the old home place, about 
six miles northeast of Kirksville, till about eighteen years old. He attended the 
public schools. When grown he leased a portion of his father's farm. After his 
marriage he moved to the farm on which he now lives, w'hich Mrs. Lowe inherited 
from her father, Harvey Ginnings. It consists of eighty-five acres and has since 
been thoroughly improved, some splendid buildings having been erected. He han- 
dles thoroughbred Duroc-Jersey hogs, fine mules, horses and cattle, a picture of a 
portion of one of his herds being given herewith. He is a Democrat in politics, and 
a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge. 



850 



The History of Adair County 




Residence of H. B. Ross, 4 miles southeast of (iibbs 




Horses and Mules on farm of Obe Lowe, G miles northeast of Kirksville 



Biographical. 851 

H. B. ROSS was born in Illinois, Alaj- 9, 18G1, being a son of Erastus M. and 
Julia R. Ross. He was married January 8, 1896, to Addie Mills, daughter of Charles 
R. and Lucy A. Mills. They have one child — Leslie Mills Ross, born January 14, 
1905. 

Mr. Ross was reared on a farm in Illinois, and attended the public school. He 
brought his family to Adair Count}', Missouri, December 24, 19()S, and has since made 
his home here. His farm consists of eighty acres, situated four miles sou11i(>ast of 
Gibbs. He does general farming and stock raising. 

H. B. Ross is a Democrat, a member of the Christian ciiurch, and belongs to the 
order of Knights of Pythias. 

THOMAS J. SPENCER is a native of Ripley CJounty, Indiana, horn March 
30, 1844. His parents were James M. and Ruth Spencer. He was married August 
23, 1873, to Martha E. Howerton, daughter of Robert and Harriet Howerton. They 
have four children: Walter E., born May 31, 1874; James Robert, July 29, 1877; 
Lillie Mabel, January 2, ISSO; Frank Earl, July 7, 1883. 

Mr. Spencer is one of the influential men of this territory and belongs to one of 
the historical families of the county. He has played a very prominent part in the 
development of the county. He came to Adair County in 1856 and has seen the con- 
stant growth from a wild country to a flourishing community. 

He is Republican in politics, a member of Sergeant Ryon Post, No. 214, G. A. 
R., at Brash ear, and belongs to the I. O. O. F., No. 522, at Brashear. He served 
during the war in Company A, 39th Missoiu'i Infantry for one year. 

DR. WALTER S. HALL, a native of Pendleton County, Kentucky, was born 
August 24, 1846, a son of Jefferson Y. and Cynthia Hall. He was united in marriage 
to Emily F. Heryford, who died Octobei; 15, 1890. They had six children: Walter; 
Irene (now dead; she was Mrs. George Richardson); Edell (now dead; she was Mrs. 
Robert Burris); Maude, now Mrs. Pearl Catherton; Minnie, now Mrs. Olin Mac- 
Guire; Frank, .single. He was again married June 9, 1909, to Mary E. Rodcay, who 
was accidentally burned to death March, 1910. They had no children. 

Dr. Hall was born in Kentucky, but moved to Knox County with his parents 
in 1856. He was reared in that county, attending the public schools, and then stud- 
ied medicine. He attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, 
graduating in 1877, then entered the practice in this county at Sublette. He re- 
mained there eight years, then went to Burlington Junction, remaining two years, 
then to Hugoton, Kansas for two years, back to Burlington Junction for about one 
and one-half years. He next went to Hurdland, then to Kirksville, remaining six 
years. In the meantime he studied Osteopathy. He practiced in various places, 
and finally went to Novinger in 1901, where he now^ resides and is engaged in practice. 

CHARLES HARMON was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 15, 1869, being a 
son of Stephen and Thursday E. Harmon. He was married June 6, 1897, to INIay 
Williams, daughter of William'and Caroline Williams. They had six children: Leo, 
born April 29, 1898; Emma, March 15, 1900; Albert, March 22, 1902; Gail, Jan- 
uary 29, 1904; Otis, October 30, 1905; Earl, March 28, 1909. 

Mr. Harmon came to Adair County in 1869, when only two months old. His 
parents settled near Novinger, lived there a few years, then lived near Stahl. When 
eighteen years old Mr. Harmon began farming for himself and has always been en- 
gaged in that occupation. He owns a farm of 240 acres, five miles southwest of 
StahL He is a breeder of Shoi-t-Horn cattle, Poland-China hogs and fin(> horses. 
He is a Republican in politics. 



852 



The History of Adair County 




Residence, fa.nUy, barn, an.l horses of Charles Harmon, 5 mi. southwest of Stahl 



BlOCSRAl'HICAL. 



853 



C3 




854 The History of Adair County. 

ROBERT LOCKLIN was born in Knox County, Illinois, February 24,lSt32. 
His parents were Henry and Bridget (Welch) Locklin. He was married November 
15, 1888, to Mary B. Kiernan, daughter of Patrick and Bridget (McGrath) Kier- 
nan. They have four children: George R., born November 9, 1889; Marie C, 
December 23, 1894; Agnes, December 12, 1896; William H., January 28, 1903. 

Mr. Locklin remained in Illinois till grown, then married and farmed for him- 
self in Illinois till 1907. In March of that year he bought his present farm, and 
moved to this county, where he has since lived. The farm consists of 300 acres, 
on the northwest limits of Kirksville. He is a breeder of pure bred Percheron horses, 
Poland-China hogs, and Short-Horn cattle. When in Illinois he attended the pub- 
lic school and took a course at the Galesburg Business College. He was a member 
of the County Commission of Knox County, Illinois, for two terms; assessor of his 
township two terms; collector two terms, and served his county in other minor ca- 
pacities. He is a Democrat, and takes great interest in politics. He is a member of 
the Catholic church. 

GEORGE F. WILLIAMS was born in Putnam County, Indiana, April 7, 1839, 
being a son of Pressley and Ann (Cope) Williams. He was married in July, 1862, 
to Miss Harriet Miles, while at home on a furlough from the war. She died in 1887. 
They had six children, four of whom are living: Delbert W.; Lizzie F., who died 
in 1892, and was then the wife of Frank Price; Harley N.; CalUe A., now the wife of 
John R. BuUard; Cope, now the wife of H. A. Thornburg; Myrtle, died in 1887. 
Mr. Williams was again married in 1891 to Emma Leech, a widow, and daughter of 
David Burt. They have no children. 

Mr. Williams was born and reared on a farm in Indiana, living there with his 
parents till 1856, when he came to Adair County, where he has since resided. 

After coming here he was engaged in farming for a short time and then worked 
for Simeon Elliott in a grist and saw mill. Soon afterward the mill was sold to Walker 
Paul and moved to Paul Town. He then worked for Paul till 1859, and then went 
to Texas, where he remained about six months, then returned to Adair County. 

Soon after the war broke out in 1861 he enlisted in Company A, Berge's Western 
Sharj)shooters, under command of Col. Berge of St. Louis. Later this regiment was 
called the 14th Missouri Sharpshooters. Then in the fall of 1862 a number of re- 
cruits were added from Illinois, and the name was changed to 66th Illinois Sharp- 
shooters. The regiment was a famous one and did valiant service in many hard 
fought battles. The soldiers were equip[)ed with the then latest pattern of rifles 
and each molded his own bullets. Mr. Williams took part in the engagements at 
Fort Donaldson, both fights at Corinth, and the siege at Atlanta. He was discharged 
in 1864, his term of service having expired. 

At the close of the war Mr. Williams returned to this county, and was engaged 
in farming for a time and was also in the milling business here for a number of years. 

H(> served as Sheriff of Adair County from 1889 to 1891, and was again elected 
in 1908, for a term of four years. He has been connected with the office either as 
Deputy or Sheriff almost continuously since 1867, with the exception of the encum- 
bency of J. H. Kinnear. He also served as d(>puty U. S. Marshal for twelve years, 
serving under Leffingwell, Coste, Couzins, and the hitter's daughter, Phoebe^ Couzins. 

Mr. Williams is a Rei)ublican in j)oUtics, a member of the Methodist church, and 
belongs to Corporal Dix Post, No. 22, G. A. R. 



Biographical. 



855 




Residence of Robert Locklin, northwest city limits, Kirksville 




Barns on the farm of Robert Locklin, northwest city limits, Kirksville 



856 



The History of Adair County. 




Geoi-Ke F. Williams, Sheriff 



Biographical. 857 

JAMES A. COOLEY w;i.s bom in Madison County, Iowa, January 2(i, 1872, 
a son of F. J. and Rosa Cooley. He married Miss Ruby liowen, daughter of A. and 
Ella C. Bowon, April 13, 1901. They have one child, Barbara, born April 7, 1909. 

Born and reared on a farm in Iowa, he remained there till about twenty years 
old, attending the jjublie schools. He came to Kirksville and entered the State 
Normal School, taking a course of two and one-half years; graduating in the elemen- 
tary course in 1894, having the honor of leading his class. He taught in Clay Coun- 
ty during that summer and the next winter, and attended the Kansas State Normal 
School at Emporia the next year, graduating in June, 1896, in the classical course, 
also winning first honors in debate in that institution. After his graduation there, 
he returned to Kirksville and read law, being admitted to the bar in March, 1897. 
He has been practicing law continuously since that time. 

Mr. Cooley was city attorney for one term, was elected prosecuting attorney 
in 1902, re-elected in 1904, and declined a third nomination. He was tiie Republican 
nominee for Circuit Judge against Judge Shelton, having no opposition in the pri- 
mary. He belongs to the Elks and K. of P. lodges. 

ROBERT PROPST was born in Adair County, Missouri, July 5, 18.55, being 
a son of Robert and Malinda Propst. He was married March 24, 1878, to Mary 
Miller, daughter of Nicholas and Elizabeth Miller. They have seven children: 
Malinda E., born March 12, 1879; Joseph, January 23, 1881; Viola Gennethi, Jan- 
uary 27, 1883; Sarah M., February 17, 1885; Lula May, August 28, 1887; Robert 
P., December 6, 1890; Cecil McKinley, June 16, 1896. 

Mr. Propst lived on a farm in Adair County until 1899, then moved to Brashear, 
retiring from the active life of farming. He rents his land. He is Republican in 
politics and a member of the United Brethren church. 

SANFORD J. MILLER, born at Pleasant Mount, Pennsylvania, May 20, 1854, 
is a son of Jonathan B. and Polly A. Miller. He was married November 12, 1903, 
to Mary C. Greenwood, daughter of Payton F. and Julia A. Greenwood. Mr. Mil- 
ler lived at home and learned the blacksmith trade, until he was twenty-three years 
old; he then clerked in a store for W. H. and I. N. Foster, at Honesdale, Pennsyl- 
vania, for nearly four years. He was also Chief of the Fire Department at Honesdale 
for three years, after which he went into the mercantile business at Pleasant Mount. 
In 1883 he sold out and came to Kirksville, Missouri. On coming here he went into 
the livery business which he conducted for several years, also handling fine horses. 
In 1900 he sold out his livery bu.siness, and a year later furnished and opened up the 
Dockery Hotel, which was soon regarded as one of the best hotels in the state. x\fter 
conducting the hotel for about one year, he sold out and built a large barn and began 
importing Percheron and French Coach horses from France. Mr. Miller makes from 
one-to three trips a year to France, buys the best the market affords, and ships them 
to Kirksville, Missouri. He gives one public sale every year and disposes of many 
privately. Much of his time he devotes to the breeding of Percheron and French 
Coach horses, Standard Bred Trotters and Mammoth Black Jacks. Mr. Miller 
put the first registered Percheron horse into the county, also the first imported horse 
ever brought into the county, and was the first man in the state to make an importa- 
tion direct from Europe to the State of Missouri. 



858 



The History of Adair County. 




BlOGUAPllICAL. 



859 





860 



The History of Adair County. 




Residence of Robert Propst, Brashear 




Interior- of (leoific Rainer's Stori' at Brashear 



Biographical. 861 

JAMES WELLMAN was roiirod on a farm near (^ucon City, iMi.ssouri. He was 
born in iSchiiylor County, August 13, 1858, being a son of John and Eliza (Tarr) 
Welhnan. He was married August 31, 1884, to Mary E. Bass, daugliter of Wright 
and Elizabeth (Hughes) Bass. She was born January 1, 1863, and died February 
14, 1904. They had nine children, eight of whom are living: Clarence, Ethel, 
Minnie M., Elsa L., Harley G., Homer, Vernon, John. 

Mr. Wellman remained at home with his parents till his marriage, then began 
farming for hijuself. He moved to Adair County shortly before his marriage, where 
he continued farming till 1903. He then moved to Connelsville, and went into the 
livery business in which he is still engaged, being in partnership with his brother, 
N. B. Wellman. He is a member of the I. (). (). F. and Yoeman lodges. 

BENJAMIN R. WATKINS was born in Ford County, Illinois, August 29, 
1871, a son of Isaiah and Mary E. (Layton) Watkins. He was united in marriage 
February lo, 1894, to Anna Johnson, daughter of Charles O. and Esther (Peterson) 
Johnson. They have two children: Lula M., born September 22, 1896; Benjamin 
Eldon, May 27, 1899. 

Mr. Watkins was born and reared on a farm in Illinois. He started out for him- 
self when only twelve years old, working at various occupations. When grown he 
married and farmed and ran a thresher in Illinois. He continued that work till 
1909, when he bought his present farm and moved to this county. The farm con- 
sists of eighty acres, four miles southeast of Kirksville. He does general farming and 
stock raising. 

He is a member of the Christian church. When in Illinois he served as assessor 
of his home township. 

WILLIAM C. R. WINSLOW was born in Hancock County, Illinois, September 
1, 1861, being a son of William Henry and Sarah Ann Winslow. He was mairied 
December 24, 1884, to Ida E. Musson, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Musson. 
They had five children: Iva E., born September 15, 1888; Joseph A., February 
17, 1892; Rachel Helen, March 23, 1894; Mary Eva, March 12, 1898; WilUam Mau- 
rice, September 18, 1902. All the children are single and living at home except the 
oldest son. 

Mr. Winslow was born on a farm in Illinois. His father died at Nashville in 
tlie hospital during the war. His mother then married Abel Gordon, and in 1867 
he came to Adair County with his motlier and step-father, and was reared on a farm 
in this county. When grown he married and began farming for himself, and has 
followed that occupation all his life. In 1909 he moved his family to Kirksville to 
send his children to school, but he still spends most of his time on the farm, making 
a speciality of breeding Short-Horn cattle and doing general farming and stock rais- 
ing. Mr. Winslow is a Republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

J. W. WILSON, a native of Wilson township, Adair County, Missouri, was 
born Januar,y 26, 1848, a son of J. C. and Angemira Wilson. He was married January 
26, 1869, to Harriett E. Tipton, daughter of William W. and Harriett Tipton. They 
have four children living: Viola, born December 8, 1869; Herbert J., September 11, 
1871; Edith J., August 25, 1875; Virginia L., October 22, 1889. 

Mr. Wilson has a farm of eighty acres, situated three and one-half miles south- 
east of Gibbs, where he engages in general farming and stock raising. He is a member 
of the Baptist Missionary church, and a Republican in politics. His wife is a member 
of the Methodist church. 



862 



The History of Adair County. 




Residence of James Wellman, Connelsville 




Kesidonce of B. I!. Wat kins, \ miles southeast of Kirksville 



Biographical. 



86^ 





tf 



fe 



864 



The History of Adair County, 




Biographical. 865 

C. T. WOODS was born March 1(5, 1874, in Adair County, Missouri, lie is 
a son of Asa and Leah J. Woods. He was married September 23, 1896, to Etlitli Wil- 
son, daughter of J. W. and Plarriett Wilson. They have one child — Rachel, born 
August 9, 1899. 

Mr. Woods owns 180 acres of land, three and one-half miles south of Gibbs. He 
does general farming and stock raising.* He is a Republican in politics and a member 
of th(> M. \\'. \. fraternity. 

WILLIAM SHERMAN REYNOLDS was born in Adair County, Mis.souri. 
September 20, 18G5, being a son of W. B. and Ruth Reynolds. He was married De- 
cember 15, 1888, to Lillie Buckmaster. They have three children: Madge A., 
born August 2, 1889; Ruth D., April 27, 1893; Robert W., May 11, 1901. 

Mr. Reynolds was engaged in the general merchandise business at GrecMitoj), 
Missouri, for several years, but for the past twenty years has been farming. He d( ajs 
in Short-Horn cattle, fine horses, Berkshire hogs and Shropshire sheep. He is a Re- 
publican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

HENRY FRANKFORD is a native of Adair County, Missouri, born November 

3, 1857. He is a son of James and Amanda Frankford. He was married February 

4, 1877, to Liddie A. Pifer, daughter of Peter and Liddie Pifer. They have two chil- 
dren: Maud v., born May 27, 1879; Grace, September 4, 1881. 

Mr. Frankford was born and reared in this county and has lived here all his life, 
spending most of his time at Novinger. He lived with his parents till grown and was 
for many years engaged in the saw-mill business. He served as deputy sheriff under 
G. W. Rupe from 1893 to 1897, making his home in Kirksville during that time. He 
then returned to Novinger, where he now lives. In the spring of 1910 he was ap- 
pointed postmaster at that place, which position he now holds. 

Mr. Frankford is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church 
and belongs to the I. O. O. F. and K. of P. fraternities. 

Mrs. Frankford is also a native of Adair County, and was born February 27, 
1858. Her mother, Mrs. Liddie Pifer, is still living and makes her home with her 
daughter. She is ninety-three years old, said to be the oldest person living in the 
county. 

GEORGE H. SOHN, a native of Jefferson City, Missouri, was born December 
18, 1849, being a son of George and Mary (Share) Sohn. He was married October 2, 
1870, to Elizabeth A. Christian, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Jones) Chris- 
tian. They have five children: Sarah L., born February 20, 1872, now the wife of 
Charles Marquess; George, April 29, 1873; Share J., December 10, 1874; Lura E., 
February 24, 1877, wife of Silas Horton; Mary K., December 6, 1879. 

Mr. Sohn moved to Adair County with his parents in 1856, settling on the farm 
which he now owns. Here he was reared and lived till his marriage. He then farmed 
on a part of the old home place till his father's death, and then bought out the other 
heirs and took charge of the old home place. Mr. Sohn has lived and farmed in this 
county continuously since a small boy. The first store and postoffice in Adair Co. 
was on their farm a few feet from Mr. Sohn's house. It was conducted by Samuel 
Withrow. The farm consists of 179 acres, five miles northwest of Kirksville. 

Mr. Sohn is a general farmer and stock raiser. He is a Republican in politics 
and a member of the Baptist church. 

56 



866 



The History of Adair County. 




o 



Biographical. 



867 



?c 



CD 
t3 



•T3 




868 



The History of Adair County. 




Henry Fraiikfonl, Postmaster at Noviiifior. Picture was taken 
when he was ninuiiis; saw mill 



BlOOKAPHICAL. 



869 



?d 



O 



a 




870 The History of Adair County. 

WILLIAM H. STEELE is a native of Washington County, Maryland, born 
December 14, 1836. His parents were William and Mary Steele. He was married 
September 14, 1S(J5, to Mary E. Spencer, daughter of James M. and Ruth Spencer. 
They have two children: Ida B., born October 14, 1866, now Mrs. David W. Han- 
cock; Mary E., December 22, 187.5, now Mrs. Jerry Plutz. 

Mr. Steele moved to Adair County, Missouri, in 18.58. He owns 120 acres, 
situated one mile north of Brashear, and does general farming. Diu'ing the war 
he served three years and almost six months in Company D, 21st Missouri Volunteer 
Infantry. In that time he had over thirty engagements. He took part in the bat- 
tle of Shiloh, and the siege of Corinth which followed. He was in the second battle 
at Corinth, the battle of luka. Champion Hills, sometimes known as the battle of 
Baker's Creek, and the battle of Pleasant Hill. He was in the 16th Army Corps, 
and was made corporal of the company to which he belonged. He served under Gen- 
erals Grant, Sherman, and Rosecranz. 

William Steele is a great lover of literature. He has a fine library, especially 
on the history of the Civil War, on which subject he is thoroughly informed. He is 
Republican in politics. His wife belongs to the United Brethren church. 

GEORGE HUSTON is a native of Pennsylvania and was born in that state 
November 22, 18.59. He is a son of John and Sophia Huston. He was never married. 

He came to Adair County, Missouri, with his parents in 1866. They settled 
near Gibbs, Mr. Huston living there with his parents till grown. After their death 
he took charge of the old home place and later purchased the interests of the other 
heirs. The farm is a splendid one and consists of 170 acres, two miles south of Gibbs, 
on the Santa Fe Railway. 

GEORGE W. BERRY was born in Novinger, Adair County, Missouri, Sep- 
tember 1.5, 1863, and is a son of Henry and Susan Berry. His mother died February 
14, 1877, and his father in March, 1888. After their death he worked on the farm by 
the month until he was twenty-four years of age, then learned the carpenter trade, 
in which he engaged until about 1890. For four years he managed the lumber yard 
of J. C. Waddill, at Novinger. When he sold out, Mr. Berry worked in the lumber 
yard of Miller & Company for three years, then purchased an interest in the Novinger 
Mer(!antile Company, where he assisted in building up a large and lucrative busine.ss. 
He is still a member of that firm, and has always lived in Adair County. 

George Berry was married to Lyda Shoop, daughter of Thomas and Henrietta 
Vanlaningham. They have no children. Mrs. Berry has two children by a former 
marriage — Cornie and Fannie Shoop. 

JOHN S. BILLINGTON, a farmer and stock raiser living four miles north- 
west of Stahl, Mis.souri, was born January 29, 18.59, being a native of Adair County. 
He was married August 1, 1880, to Mary A. Adkins, daughter of Stephen and Nancy 
Aikins. They have four children: Daisy, born October 6, 1881, now Mrs. Frank 
Roe; George, October 4, 1887; Guy and Gail, twins, June 2,5, 1897. 

Mr. Billington was reared near where he now lives. When he was only six years 
oil his mother died. He then made his home with his grandfather, E. B. Ledford, 
till grown. Since that time he has been farming, following that occupation all his 
life, and living in Adair Count}'. He is a breeder of Polled-Angus cattle, Poland- 
China hogs and Percheron horses. ,A.t present he owns a farm of 120 acres, four 
miles northwi'st of Stahl. In politics he is a Democrat. 



BlOGHAFHK'AL. 



871 




872 



The Hist(iry of Adair County. 




15l()(!RAPHICAL. 



873 



I^^L -^^t**- 




874 



The History of Adair County. 




RcsidcMice, family and scone on farm of J. 8. Billington, 
4 miles west of Stahl 



Biographical. 875 

GEORGE L. RAINIER was born and roared on a farm in Adair County, Mis- 
souri, bcino- a son of Jobc and Bettic (Moore) Rainier. He lived with his parents till 
firown, th<>n married and farmed for himself for four years. He then went to Bra- 
shear, goinfi into the butclu>r and groeery business, in which he is still engaged. He 
was educated in th(> puljlic school. 

Mr. Kanier was born November 10, 1S72, near Adair, Missouri. He was married 
November 6, 1904, to Lena Alexander, daughter of 8am and Susan (Boran) Alexan- 
der. They have three children: Lucile, born August 2, 1906; George L., Jr., Sep- 
tember 4, 1907; Leo, December 22, 1909. 

He is a devoted member of the Christian church and a m(>mber of the L O. (). F. 
lodge. 

DANIEL SMITH was born on a farm near Haimibal, Missouri, September 13, 
1865, being a son of George and Louise Smith. He was married September 29, 1898, 
to Delia Danielson. They have two childr(>n: Leota, born August 1, 1899; Clif- 
ford, August 13, 1903. 

Mr. Smith was reared on a farm near Hannibal, remaining lliere with his pa- 
rents till grown. When a young man he came to Adair County, where he has since 
lived and been engagetl in farming. He owns a well imjoroved farm of 160 acres, 
near Brashear. Mr. Smith is a Re[)ublican in politics and takes a deej) interest in 
political affairs. 

SAM DAVIDSON is a native of this county, born near Gibbs, Missouri, Decem- 
ber 28, 1873. He is a son of S. C. and Mary L. (Davis) Davidson. He was mar- 
ried February 26, 1902, to Mary E. Young, daughter of Ben W. and Emily (Elmore) 
Young. They have no children. 

Mr. Davidson was reared on the farm entered by his father upon coming to this 
county. He lived and worked on the farm with his parents till grown. He at- 
tended the public school and took a course at the Chillicothe Normal School. In 
1899 he went into the mercantile business at Gibbs, and has been there continuously 
since. He now conducts a clothing and gents' furnishing store at that place. 

Sam Davidson belongs to one of the oldest families in the county. He is a 
Democrat, and has always taken much interest in political affairs. 

ALBERT DYER, born March 22, 1854, is a native of Illinois and a son of James 
and Margaret Dyer. He was married January 24, 1882, to Sarah E. Lowe, daughter 
of John and Amanda Lowe. Mrs. Dyer was born Aug. 8, 1863, in Davis Co., Iowa. 
They had eleven children: Clara, twenty-six years of age; Walter A., twenty-five; 
Mary, twenty-three; Charley, twenty; Ida, eighteen; Frankie, sixteen; Alice, four- 
teen; James, eleven; Willie, six; Clarence, four; Esther, three. Mary is now the 
wife of J. W. Bailey. 

Mr. Dyer came to Schuyler County, Missouri, with his parents when a small 
boy. Here he lived till grown, then married and began farming for himself. About 
two years after his marriage he moved to Adair County, Missouri, where he lived and 
farmed till his death, August 20, 1910. He owned a farm of 240 acres, one and one- 
half miles north of Sublette, where he engaged in general farming and stock raising. 
Since his death his widow and her sons have been running the farm. The oldest 
boy, Walter, also owns eighty acres adjoining the home place. 

Mr. Dyer was a Republican and a member of the Baptist church. Mrs. Dyer 
belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. 



876 



The History of Adair County. 





CQ 



' ' ^^"^^'^^WNNftEMaBmBB^ e- • 




^ 



'L.. 
7 



Biographical. 



877 




Sam Davidson's! store at Gibbs 



878 



The History of Adair County. 




The late Albert Dyer and children 
Residence of Sarah E. Dyer, near SiiMette 



BlOGllAl'HICAL. 



879 




880 The History of Adair Colnty. 

BRET HARTE STEPHENSON was bom in Browning, Missouri, July 31, 1879, 
being a son of Dr. W. T. and Anna H. (Clark) Stephenson. He was married De- 
cember 14, 1902, to Mabel Keith, daughter of Kdward B. and Susan (Peas) Keith. 
They have two children: William K., born Julj^ 26, 1904; Bret Harte, Jr., born 
May 13, 1910. 

Mr. Stephenson moved to Milan with his parents when thirteen years old, and 
worked in his father's drug store three years. In 1895 he came to Kirksville, worked 
in the drug store here three years for his father, then started out in business for him- 
self. He traveled for the Sherwin-Williams Paint Company four years, then went 
into the hotel business at Brookfield, where he remained one year. He then went 
to Macon, and worked at the same business till June, 1908, when he came to Kirks- 
ville. He has since been conducting both the Pool and Dockery hotels, both first- 
class houses. He is a Democrat, and belongs to the B. P. O. E. lodge. 

CHARLES FROBES is a native of Fountain Greene, Illinois. He is a son 
of Charles and Amelia Frobes, and was born September 17, 1858. He was married 
December 17, 1884, to Maggie B. Stephens, daughter of George and Barbara Ste- 
phens. They had three children: Flossie, born September 20, 1890, died in in- 
fancy; Clara, March 15, 1892; Erma, February 25, 1897. 

Mr. Frobes came to Knox County, Missouri, in 1868, then to Adair County in 
1894. He bought the place where he now lives. He has 160 acres, well improved. 
He has served as school director, and was road overseer for two years. He owns a 
Cadillac automobile. 

Mr. and Mrs. l^'robes and daughter Clars are Presbyterians. Mr. Frobes ia a 
Democrat. 

HUGH ABERNATHY came to Adair County with his parents, George and 
Dorcas Abernathy, in 1861, and has since made Adair County his home. He has 
been a farmer all his life, and at present owns a farm of 180 acres, five miles south of 
Stahl, Missouri. He is a breeder of Red Polled cattle, Essex hogs, fine mules and 
horses. 

Mr. Abernathy was born in Van Buren County, Iowa, April 27, 1840. He was 
married June 12, 1873, to Celina Powell, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Powell. 
Mrs. .Abernathy was born in Jefferson County, Iowa, November 18, 1852, coming 
to Adair County with her parents when but a baby. They had seven children, four 
of whom are dead: Charles, born June 6, 1875; Hattie E., August 16, 1877, now the 
wife of D. E. Danielson; Jesse, January 16, 1880, died June 4, 1882; John S., Novem- 
ber 9, 1882; Anna L., October 6, 1887, now wife of H. A. Guy; Harry, May 8, 1894, 
died September 5, 1895. 

During the war Mr. Abernathy was a member of the State Militia, Company A, 
under Capt. Gordon, serving three years. He is a Republican and a member of the 
Baptist church. 

W. W. REED was born in Knox County, Missouri, July 8, 1881, being a son of 
S. J. and Caroline Reed. He was married July 16, 1905, to Grace Eversull, daughter 
of Ezekiel and Anna Eversull. They have two children: Pearl S., born February 
10, 1907; Ralph E., December 18, 1908. 

Mr. Reed was born and reared on a farm and has always followed that occui)a- 
tion. At present he owns a farm of eighty acres, situated one and one-half miles 
south of Gibbs. He has owned this farm three years and does general farming. 

He is Republican in politics and a son of the present County Judge of the Sec- 
ond District. 



J 



BlOCKAPlIICAL. 



881 




William Keith and Brcl Harte Jr., .sons of Air. and Mrs. B. H. Stephenson 




Pool Hotel, Kirksville. B. II. Stephenson, Proprietor 




Dockcry Hotel, Kirksville. B. H. Stephen.son, Proprietor 



Biographical. 



883 




Kieth and Brete Harte Jr. ytepheii^^on, children of Mr. and Mrs. B. H. 
Stephenson, Kirksville, with their ShetUxnd pony 




Interior of A. W. Rouncr's store, at i'-rasliear 



884 



The History of Adair County, 



'' 




M^ 


r 








R| 


'f'^^ 




^1 


'1 


■HI / 


1 



Automobile and family of C'has f robes, 4 mi. northwest of Kirksville 




Residence of Chas. !• robes, -1 mi. northwest of l\irks\ 



Biographical. 



885 



^ 




886 The History of Adair County. 

A. W. ROUNER was born and reared on a farm in Knox County, Missouri, 
living there till grown. He attended the public schools and took a course in the 
Missouri State University, also attended the Gem City Business College at Quincy, 
Illinois, one year. X'pon leaving home he taught school seven years in Knox and 
Lewis Counties, marrying during that period. In 1899 he went into the mercantile 
business at Newark, JMissouri. In 1907 he sold his business interests there, going to 
Brashear one year later, where he entered the hardware and implement business, in 
which he is till engaged. 

Mr. Ilouner was born September 14, 1871, being a son of James G. and Cath- 
erine Rouner. He was married March 4, 1896, to Frances L. Smith, daughter of 
James L. and Susan (Snap) Smith. They have two children: George S., born No- 
vember 7, 1899; James L., November 1, 1909. 

He is a member of the INIasonic and M. W. A. lodges. He and his wife beiong 
to the Baptist church. 

J. H. DAVIS was born in Macon County, Missouri, June 14, 1869, being a son 
of James and Susan Davis. He was married December 25, 1902, to Minnie Buckley, 
daughter of J. R. Buckley. They have one child — James Randolph, born March 
19, 1906. 

Mr. Davis came to Adair County, Missouri, in 1908. He now conducts a livery 
business at the city of Kirksville. He is a Democrat in politics, and for several years 
served as constable in Macon County. He is a member of the K. of P. and Elks 
lodges. 

WILLIAM J. SANDRY, son of William J. and Caltha Sandry, was born in 
Adair County, Missouri, March 14, 1881. He was reared on the farm on which he 
now lives. He attended the public school, took a course at the State Normal School, 
and also a course in agriculture at the Missouri State University. His father died 
in 1906, and since that time he has had the management of the home place. The 
farm consi.sts of 227 acres, three and one-half miles west of Novinger. This farm 
belongs to his mother and the children, he being one of the heirs. Besides his in- 
terest in the home place, Mr. Sandry owns a farm of 137 acres, just southeast of 
the farm on which he lives. 

He is a thoroughh^ scientific farmer, and besides his farming conducts a cream- 
erj% one of the largest in this section. He buys cream, manufacturing it into but- 
ter, and shipping the butter products. He also has a herd of thorouglibred Jer- 
seys, consisting of some of the best in the State. He is a breeder of thoroughbred 
Shropshire sheep, Berkshire hogs, White Leghorn chickens, and Pekin ducks. 

WILLIAM J. SANDRY (deceased) was born at Shullsburgli, Wisconsin, Sep- 
tember 11, 1846. He was married November 1, 1868, to Caltha Capps, daughter of 
Henry and Charlotte Capps. She was born in Adair County, Missouri, August 10, 
1846. They had seven children: Honor H., born August 10, 1869, now Mrs. Abner 
Hamilton; Mattie C, April 11, 1872, now Mrs. George W. Leisz; Sarah Etta, Sep- 
tember 6, 1874; Eva M., February 10, 1879, now Mrs. E. H. Scofield; Wilham J., 
March 14, 1881; Bertha E., August 24, 1884; Alta M., September 19, 1891. 

Mr. Sandry came to Adair County in 1866, attended the State Normal School, 
and taught for a time. Soon after his marriage he began farming and continued 
that occupation until his death, March 6, 1906. He owned the place where his 
widow and son now live, three and one-half miles west of Novinger. He was ac- 
cidentally killed by an O. K. coal train at Novinger. At the time of his death he was 
a candidate for County Judge. 



Bi()<;kaimii(AL. 



887 




J H. Davis, Kirks ville 



888 



The History of Adair County 




BlO(iKAPHICAL. 



889 




Kesidence of E J. Lininger, 4 1-2 miles south of Novinger 




Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Smith, 2 miles southwest of Kirksville 



890 The History of Adair C'ointy. 

JEFFERSON SMITH is a native of Scioto Count v, Ohio, born Decenihor 23, 
1846. His i)arents were Oeorge W. and Hannah (Gulp) Smith. He was married 
December 5, 1900, to Nancj^ Daniel, daughter of Merrit and Prialha (Head) Trow- 
bridge. Mrs. Smith is a native of Indiana, born September 28, 1853. She came to 
this county in 1855. 

Mr. Smith left the farm in Ohio in 1865, coming to this county. He worked at 
various occupations. At present he owns a small place, two miles southwest of 
Kirksville, and drives a rural mail route. He is one of the best known men in the 
county and has a wide acquaintance. In an early day he drove a star mail route 
from Kirksville to Edina. He and the late Judge Ellison were great friends, and it 
was he who brought that great lawyer to this county, when both were young men. 
He has made his home in this county since coming here, with the expeption of two 
years spent in the West. During the war he was a member of Company H, 191st 
Ohio Infantry. 

Jefferson Smith has been twice married. His first wife was Margaret Chandler, 
by whom he had four children, all living and all married: William A.; Hannah, wife 
of J. J. Allen; Albert; Thomas W. Mrs. Smith has also been twice married, her 
first husband being George L. Daniel. They had seven children, five of them living: 
Elmira, died when six years old; Mary J., now the wife of John Lutz; William H.; 
Edward M.; Laura, now the wife of James Keller; Francis, died when ten years 
old; Bessie A., now the wife of C. C. Ownbey. 

Mr. Smith is a Prohibitionist in politics, and a member of the G. A. R. 

ALFRED ELSE A, a son of Jackson and Louise (Rose) Elsea, was born in Hock- 
ing Count}', Ohio, June 29, 1855, and came to Adair County, Missouri, with his pa- 
rents in 1866. They settled in Nineveh township, where the father lived till his 
death in 1898. Mr. Elsea lived at home till grown, then married and began farming 
for himself. He has been a farmer all his life. At present he lives on Muldoon 
farm, just north of Connelsville. The farm consists of 244 acres. He is a breeder 
of Short-Horn cattle, Duroc- Jersey hogs and good horses. Mr. Elsea is road over- 
seer of District five, and is considered one of the best in the county, being an enthu- 
siastic good roads man. 

Mr. Elsea was married July 27, 1880, to Minerva Sanders, daughter of Rich- 
ard and Eliza (May) Sanders. They have five children: Lemuel Ernest, born 
March 20, 1881; Harvey, February 5, 1883; Alta, September 20, 1884, now the ^vife 
of W. O. Summers; Perry W., May 14, 1889; Rosie M., May 20, 1891, now the 
wife of Barnard Murphy. 

He is a Republican and a member of tlie K. of P. Fraternity. 

GEORGE W. CODY was born in Adair County, June 4, 1862. He lived at 
home with his parents, Jolni and Sarah Cody, till grown. May 28, 1892, Mr. Cody 
married Miss Bridget Ludden, a daughter of Bernard and .\nna Luildcn. After 
his marriage he began farming for himself on the old home place. In 1907, he rented 
Mr. Ludden's farm, managing it for his father-in-law, Bernard Ludden, near Adair. 

The father of Mr. Cody was one of the early settlers of this county. Born in 
Ireland in 1818, he came to .4dair County in 1841, and lived here till his death in 
1903. 

Mr. and Mrs. Cody had seven children, only four of whom arc living. Those 
living are Sarah E., now Mrs. James H. Bell; W. H. Cody; George W.; and Mary E. 



BlOCiRAl'HICAL. 



891 



CO 




892 



The History of Adair County. 



« i » 






f. 








^^^fl 



Alfred Elsea and his road arader, near Connelsville 




Resideiu'e of Geo. G. Reeda!, 3 miles southrast of KirkKville 



Biographical. 893 

GEORGE C. REEDAL was born at Lodi, Wisconsin, whore he lived with his 
parents till eifiht years old, when thej^ moved to Blue Earth City. Here he remained 
till sixteen years old, attending the i)ubli(! schools of that city. In 1898 he came to 
Adair County, Missouri, buying his i)resent farm about a year later. He has since 
lived on tlie same farm. It consists of 120 acres, three miles southeast of Kirksville. 
Mr. Reedal was born July 21, 1882, a son of Gabriel and Ellen (Marsh) Reedal. He 
was married February 6, 1909, to Beulah Dean, daughter of Jelse and Charlotte 
(Coffin) Dean. Mrs. Reedal was born February 6, 1888, being a native of Adair 
County, Mis.souri. They have one child- -Harold Dean, born January 26, 1910. 

HARRY S. LINDSEY came to Adair County, Missouri, with his parents in 
1SG5, and was reared on a farm southeast of Kirksville, attending the public schools 
of that neighborhood. After farming until 1883 he moved to Kirksville, where he 
has since lived. After coming here he attended the Kirksville Business College, 
graduating in 1889, and same year engaged in the real estate and insurance business. 
In 1890 he was elected city collector, serving two terms. He also served as 
constable of Benton township for six years, being deputy sheriff for that period. 
For the past eight years he has been Justice of the Peace of Benton township, and was 
re-elected in the fall of 1910 for a term of four years. At the spring election of 1911 
lie was elected Police Judge of the city of Kirksville for two years. 

H. S. Lindsey was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, September 4, 18.59, being 
% a son of Abram and Mary A. Lindsey. He was married October 14, 1890, to Mollie 
M. Wilkes, daughter of Madison Y. and Jemima O. Wilkes. They had five chil- 
dren: Carmen Agnes, born July 29, 1891; Pansy Lenore, January 16, 1893; Guy S., 
July 17, 1895, died November 10, 1901; Madison W., November 4, 1900; Harry 
F., March 15, 1910. 

Mr. Lindsey is a Republican in politics, a member of the Presbyterian church, 
and belongs to the I. O. O. F. and Masonic lodges. His daughter. Miss Agnes, is 
a teacher in the Kirksville Public Schools. 

EDWARD J. LININGER, son of John and Rebecca Lininger, was born near 
Pure Air, Adair Count}', Missouri, October 17, 1863. He was married Feliruary 2, 
1885, to Katie M. Vanlaningham, daughter of George W. and Sarah Vanlaningham.. 
The}' had four children, two of whom are dead: Frank D., born INIaj^ 19, 1886, died 
March 12, 1887; Charles E., February 2, 1888, died September 13, 1888; Earl B.. 
Felmiary 22, 1890; Alva R., May 1, 1892. 

i\Ir. Lininger went to live with John C. Novinger, when but a small baby, his 
mother having died when he was six weeks old. Mr. Novinger owned the land and 
lived where the city of Novinger is now located. He lived with Mr. Novinger till 
seventeen years old, then started out for himself. He has since that time been en- 
gaged in farming near Novinger. Later he bought a part of the present farm, which 
is part of the old Vanlaningham place, belonging to Mrs. Lininger. Here they have 
since lived. The farm consists of seventy-seven acres, four and one-half miles south 
of Novinger. He handles fine stock, and does general farming. 



894 



The History of Adair County. 




Harry Liiulsty, Tolice Judp;c, Kirksville 



BlOGHAlMlICAL. 895 

RICHARD M. BRASHEAR was born and reared on a farm near the present 

town of Hrashear, on land entered by his father, who died in 1S()2 at the beginning 
of the war. Conditions at that time had broken uj) tlic father, leaving his family 
destitute. JNIr. Brashear was the (,)ldest boy at liome, and the eare of the family 
naturally devolved upon him. He met that eare with heroic fortitude and courage, 
and succeeded, not only in caring for them, but also educated himself. He attended 
ihe public schools and was for a tiinc a pupil of Prof. J. M. Greenwood, who was 
then a country school teacher. He next went to college at Monroe City with the 
intention of getting a thorough academic training i)reparatory to the study of law. 
After attending a short time his mother requested that he give up his legal ambition 
and return home to care for her and the children. This he did. He went on the 
farm with Ins mother, soon after started in the live stock business, buying and selling 
as well as raising cattle. In this he was a great success, and continued in the occupa- 
tion of farming twenty-five years, accumulating some splendid properties. When 
he gave up that business he was the owner of .360 acres of good land. 

In 1871-2 the road now known as the O. K. was built through this county, just 
north of Brashear, which was then a small place known as Paul Town. However, 
there was no town or depot at Brashear until 1873. The people of that section, in- 
cluding Mr. Brashear, made desperate efforts to have the road come through that 
town, but were unsuccessful. They finally succeeded, however, in getting a depot 
located where the Brashear depot now stands. Mr. Brashear devoted a year's time 
and invested all he owned in getting the depot located. When it was finally accom- 
plished, the people, in recognition of his service, named the place Brashear. Paul 
Town soon moved to the new location and ceased to exist. 

In 1882 Mr. Brashear sold his farm near Brashear and bought a farm of 200 
acres adjoining Kirksville on the east, later adding 280 acres adjoining this tract on 
the east, making 480 acres. Later he laid out two additions to the city of Kirksville, 
known as the Brashear first and second additions. Most of these lots he sold, but 
still owns a splendid home in that part of the city, and has also sold much of the other 
land, but retained forty-five acres. This will later be laid out as a third addition. 

After coming to Kirksville Mr. Brashear continued the live stock business for 
about ten years, but was finally forced to give it up on account of ill health. He 
then bought and sold real estate, mainly here in Kirksville, building a large number 
of houses. During this period he built what is known as the Ward Infirmary, one 
of the most handsome buildings of the kind in the country. The institution was 
for a time a great success, especially while under the management of Mr. Brashear. 

In June, 190S, he bought a farm of 1400 acres in Pike County, Missouri, for 
which he paid -SIOO.OOO.OO, trading in the infirmary building and some other prop- 
erties here. Since its purchase he has been devoting his time to liis big farm. He 
handles all kinds of live stock and keeps about 2,000 head in all. 

Richard M. Brashear was born January 13, 1846, being a son of ^Villiam G. 
and Rcsa (Wood) Brashear. He was married October 23, 1873, to Miss Margaret 
Montgomery, daughter of John and Susan (Turner) Montgomery. They had seven 
children: Minnie M., born August 2.5, 1874; Ida B., January 24, 1877; Wm. Mont- 
gomery (died in infancy), Augu.st 23, 1878; W. Pearl, July 11, 1880; Everett E., 
November 2, 1882; Roma, November 18, 1885; C. Eugene, April 14, 1888; Rich- 
ard Matson, September 29, 1895. His daughter, Minnie Brashear, is now an assist- 
ant teacher in the English Department at the Normal School at Kirksville. 

Mr. Brashear is a Democrat in politics and has always taken an ju-tive jiart in 



896 The History of Adair (Y)unty. 




Richard M. Brashear, Kirk8\il!e 



Biographical 



897 



^ 



K 




898 The History of Adair County. 

politics, but has never asked nor desired political preferment. Mr. Brashear is not 
a member of any church, but has an unfeigned confidence in a sui)reme God. He 
is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to the Chapter, Commandery and Shrine. 
He is also a member of the Elks lodge. 

JOHN NICK SPARLING, President and General Manager of the Sparling 
Aeroplane Company, was born at Kirksville, Missouri, August 27, 1883, being a son 
of Dr. Gerald Alfred Sparling. He was educated in the public schools of Kirksville, 
and is a graduate of the State Normal School. After his graduation in 1904 he went 
to work for the International Correspondence Schools, as their representative in 
Kirksville. In 1909 he was promoted to Division Superintendent of the same or- 
ganization, in East St. Louis, Illinois, where he won the world's record medal for 
gaining new students for the schools. In September, 1909, hs resigned from that 
position, and in connection with Audrey Risdon organized the Sparling-McClintock 
Company at Grafton, Illinois, a $25,000.00 corporation, organized for the purpose 
of building and exploiting aeroplanes of the design invented by J. N. Sparling, who 
is president and manager of the Company. He now has three patents, pertaining 
to aeroplanes, pending at Washington. In June, 1910, he sold his stock in that com- 
pany and organized the Sparling Aeroplane Company, at East St. Louis, Illinois. 
They own their own sheds, shop, ground, and have a lease on 120 acres of flat ground 
for practice flying. The company had a paid capital of $20,000.00, having a fac- 
tory at Washington Park, Illinois, and offices at 210 Avenue Building, East St. Louis. 
They manufacture propellers, and parts for dirigible balloons and aeroplanes, which 
they ship to all parts of the United States. They have orders from the Aero Club 
of Illinois, at Chicago, for propellers, which are Mr. Sparling's own design. Two 
propellers were shipped to the Philip Rahm Construction Company, of New Orleans, 
Louisiana. They are also St. Louis agents for the Elbridge, Kirkham, Detroit Aero, 
Harriman and Curtiss Aeronautic engines, and are putting the Sparling Biplane on 
the market. 

They have established a school at Washington Park for teaching the art of fly- 
ing, and at this writing have four pupils — one from Portland, Oregon, one from Den- 
ver, and two from Si. Louis. On Saturday, May 5, Mr. Park, the first pupil, flew 
the Sparling Biplane eighteen miles cross country without a stop, which demonstrated 
that the Sparling Biplane is a real flyer. 

JOHN BRASSFIELD was born and reared on a farm, living at home with his 
parents till grown. He then went to farming for himself, continuing that occup.ation 
till the war. He then joined Company B, 39th Missouri Volunteer Infantry, serving 
one year. At the close of the war he returned to his old vocation. He has lived 
on his present farm ten years. The land on which he was born was entered by his 
father. He has seen the county develop almost from a wilderness. His earliest 
recollection of Kirksville goes back to when the town was exceedingly small. There 
was one store and one saloon and a few scattering dwellings. At the time of the 
battle of Kirksville he was present, but took no part in the battle. 

Mr. lirassfield was born six miles northeast of Kirksville, July 3, 1840, being a 
.son of William T. and Nancy (Lay) Brassfield. He was married December 9, 1875, 
to Surilda Smith, daughter of John H. and Sarah E. (Duncan) Smith. Mrs. Brass- 
field is also a native of .Vdair County, born May 4, 1858. They have three children: 
John W., born December 25, 1876; Alva, September 18, 1880; Jessie L., August 
31, 1894. All but Jessie are married. Mr. Brassfield owns eighty-three acres of 
land, one mile north of Sperry. He is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. 



I^IOOIIAPIIICAL. 899 




James E. Goodwin, proprietor of Grand Leader, Kirksville 



900 



The History of Adair County, 




John Nick Sparliiifi, aviator, East St. Louis, formerly of Kirks\ille 



BlOGKAPlIlCAL. 



901 







902 



The History of Adair Coukty. 




a 



K 



Biographical. 



903 




The late Dr. ^^'arrea B. Hamilton, Kirksvillo 
Born, July hi. ISfil); died, August 2, 1911 



904 The History of Adair County. 




Tyler Paino, County Surveyor and Hi<>;h\vay Engineer 



Biographical. 905 

JOHN T. CURRY, a native of Adams County, Illinois, was born November 
11, 1853, being a son of William M. and Elizabeth (Curl) Curry. He was married 
February 21, 1877, to Emma Hopper, daughter of J. L. and Nancy J. (Anderson) 
Hopper. They have six children: Harvey T., born December 2/5, 1877; ^\'illiam 
M., July 13, 1880; Pearl E., February 4, 1884, now Mrs. L. P. Fickel; John H., 
October 18, 188G; Sanuiel O., December 22, 1890; Leslie K., May 2, 1899. 

Mr. Curry was born antl reared on a farm in Adams County, Illinois, living 
there with his parents till grown. He then married and the following year moved to 
Linn County, Missouri, where he engaged in farming until 1882. At that time he 
returned to Adams Coimty, Illinois, remained there till 1886, then moved with his 
family to Adair County, Missouri. Since that time he has made his residence in 
this coimty and engaged in farming. He lives on what is known as the "Woods 
Dairy Farm, J. T. Curry, Proprietor." It is situated two miles south of Kirksville 
and consists of 311 acres. 

Mr. Curry is a breeder of pure-bred Chester White hogs and Jersey cattle. He 
started his dairy in 1909 and has now a herd of 51 head, one of the best in the county. 
He recently built a handsome new dairy barn. It is one of the best in North Missouri, 
and is equipped with the Newton cow tie, said to be the most humane tie ever in- 
vented; also with the latest improved Lowden machinery, having stalls for thirty- 
eight cows. In addition to this he has a very large and convenient silo. 

In 1904 Mr. Curry was elected Sheriff of Adair County and re-elected in 1906, 
serving two terms. 

The farm on which he lives is considered one of the best in the county, all of it 
under cultivation except forty acres which is in timber. Mr. Curry has had charge 
of the farm for the past fifteen years and recently leased it for ten years longer. All 
the stock and equipment on the farm belong to him. 

Mr. Curry is a Republican in pohtics and a member of the Christian church. 
He belongs to the Masonic order. No. 105; I. O. O. F., No. 96; Rebekahs, No. 44; 
M. W. A., No. 2333, all of Kirksville. 

GEORGE WALL SMITH was born at Sloan's Point, Adair County, Missouri, 
October 6, 1846, a son of John B. and Anna (Burgundy) Smith. He was married 
July 3, 1872, to Mollie Dodson, daughter of Isom B. and Nancy Dodson. She died 
January 6, 1895. They had six children, four of whom are living. 

Mr. Smith moved to Kirksville wath his parents when two years old. At the 
breaking out of the war he joined Company I, 18th Missouri Infantry, serving till 
1864. He was with Sherman in his march to the sea and was severely wounded on 
the return march. He was wounded at Shiloh and at luka, Mississippi. After the 
war he went to Permsylvania, remaining two years, then to Chicago for five years. 
He next came to Kirksville, where he has since resided. He is a carpenter, working 
in that capacity at the State Normal School two years. 

He is a Republican, and a member of the Corporal Dix Post G. A. R. 

GEORGE L. HOLMES, son of George W. and Agnes Holmes, was born at 
Plymouth, Illinois. He was married April 10, 1887, to Mary E. Wheatcraft, daugh- 
ter of Samuel and Rebecca Wheatcraft. They have one child — Ruby C, born July 
19, 1888. Mr. Holmes owns an eighty acre farm situated near Willmathville, where 
he engaged in general farming and stock raising. He has lived in Adair County for 
many years. Mr. Holmes is a member of the Methodist church. He also is car- 
rier for one of the rural mail routes out of Willmathville. 



The History of Adair Cointy, 




John T. Curry, 2 niilcK soulh of Kirksvilic, i'oniicr Sheriff 



Biographical. 



907 







Residence and harii of John T. Curry, 2 miles south of Kirksvllle 
Known as the Woods Dairy P'arm 



908 



The History of Adair County. 




Resilience of Geo. L. Holmes, Willmathville 
Mr. and Mrs. Holmes in fon^sround 




Miller Block, Novinger 



Biographical. 909 

HEZEKIAH GRISHAM c:unc to iMLssouri with his parents, Joseph B. and 
Johana (Gooding) Grishani, in ISol. Tliey settled in Putnam County and hved there 
two years, coming to Adair County at that time. After Hviiig here a few years, 
they moved to Saline County, then back to Adair County. When grown Mr. Grish- 
am went to Scotland County, engaged in farming, and was married there. In 1S83 
he returned to Adair County, where he has since lived and engaged in farming, ex- 
cept four years in which he served as County Clerk of this county, being elected in 
1894. At present he owns a farm of 100 acres, one and one-half miles north of Shib- 
ley's Point. He is a breeder of fine horses, cattle, etc. During the war he served 
with Company H, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, was twice womideil, being at (he b;if(Ie 
of Vicksburg and other big fights. 

Mr. Grisham was born in Knox County, Kentucky, August 7, 184G. He was 
married July 1, 1870, to Mary A. Barker, daughter of Lewis B. and Hulda (Batc's) 
Barker. Mrs. Grisham was born in Lewis County, Missouri, March 3, 1854. They 
had three children: Perninia, born May 20, 187G, died March 23, 1910, was the wife 
of Ora J. Beeman; Alice, February 27, 1873, now the wife of B. A. Lintner; Lucretia, 
May 3, 1877, now the wife of Charles W. Lintner. Mr. Grisham is a Socialist in 
politics. 

FRANK W. RUSSELL was born in Green County, Illinois, November 2.5, 
1S6S, being a son of James M. and Lucy H. (Hardcastle) Ilussell. He was married 
April 20, 1896, to Vida V. Thomas, daughter of David N. and Elizabeth (Gardner) 
Thomas. They have four children: Francis Paul, born May 30, 1898; Margaret 
E., November 14, 1903; James Milton, January 2, 1907; Mary Lucy, November 7, 
1909. 

Mr. Russell was reared on a farm near Carrollton, Illinois, except six years which 
he spent at Topeka, Kansas, when a small boy. He attended the public school 
and lived on the farm till twenty-one years old, then left home and went to Texas. 
He remained there two years, then went back to Illinois for two years, then came to 
Kirks\ ille, Missouri, landing here in January, 1895. He was in the butcher business 
till early in 1910, when he went into the contracting and paving business with S. L. 
Eggert. He is affiliated with the K. of P., Redmen, Yoemen and Elks lodges. 

DAVID J. WHARTON was reared on a farm in Pennsylvania. He was born in 
Mercer County of that state, February 10, 1847, being a son of Jacob and Dorah 
Wharton. He was married August 22, 1870, to Josephine L^^ber, daughter of John 
and Chloea LT)er. They have two children: Edwin C, born September 11, 1875; 
Bertram A. L., November 2, 1878. 

Mr. Wharton remained on the farm in Pennsylvania till twenty-one, then came 
to Adair County, Missouri, in 1869, remaining here till 1873. At that time he went' 
to Illinois for one year, then to Indianapolis for one year, then to his old home in 
Pennsjdvania, where he lived till 1879. He then returned to Adair County, Missouri, 
and has since lived here. He is engaged in farming and owns 160 acres of land, one 
mile west of Novinger. He is a breeder of Short-Horn cattle, Percheron horses, 
etc. Coal underlies practically all his farm, except seventy acres which has been 
mined. About 750 tons a day were mined for a long time by the Sheridan Coal 
Company. 

Mr. Wharton comes from an old Pennsylvania family. His grandfather entered 
the land where Philadelphia now stands. He is a Republican and a member of the 
Presbyterian church. 




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Biographical. 



911 




Frank Russell, City Assessor, Kirksville 



912 



The History of Adaiu County. 




Residcnco of Daviil Wharton. I mile west of Novinger 




lit'sich^ncc of J. \'. Miller, Novinger 



BlOGKAPUICAL. 913 

JOHN W. ANDRKWS, son of Isaac H. and Elizabeth (Walkcrj Andrews, was 
born in Macon County, Missouri, February 15, 1847. He was married September 
1.5, 1S7S, lo Sue Hrawner, twin .sister of C. M. lirawner. She was br)rn in Sanfiamon 
County, Illinois, January 2S, ]H~i'.i, being a daughter of John S. and Nancy (Mc(Jrady) 
Hrawner. She came to Adair County with lier parents in 1855. They have three 
chilih-en: Bessie, born June 1(J, 1880, now Mrs. (Jeorge Derfler, of KirksvilJe, Mis- 
souri; .\lta B., September 5, 1884, now the wife of Artliur C. Ward, of Xovinger; 
l.ul.i i;,, July 26, 1890. 

.Mr. .\ndrew.s moved lo .\(i,iir County, .Mis.souri, in 185(1, and was reared on a 
larin near Kirksville. He lived at home till grown, then married and continued 
the occupation of farming. He ovvn.s a farm of 152 acres, one mile ea.st of Novinger. 
Mr. .\n<h'('ws is a Democi'at. 

JAMES M. WILLIAMS was born in Holmes County, Ohio, December 17, 
184:^>, being a .son 'H John M. and Lyda Williams. He was married June 2, 1862, 
to Harriett Close, daughter of Jessie and Lidia Close. They had twelve children. 

Mr. Williams was born and reared on a farm in Ohio, where he lived vmtii his 
early manhood. In 1866 he came to Adair County, Missouri, settling in Morrow 
township, south of Stahl, on land he now owns. A few years later he bought land 
adjoining, on the south, built a home there and has lived there continuously since. 
FTe owns a farm of 152 acres, four miles southwest of Stahl. He is a breeder of Short- 
Horn and Hereford cattle, Duroc-Jersey liogs and Percheron horses. 

James Williams is a Democrat in politics. He served as Justice of tlie Peace 
of Morrow township twenty-two years, and was also township treasurer when the 
county was under townsliip organization. He is an active church worker. 

.MRS. R. A. MYERS, (hiughter (.f Martin and Delilah , was born in 

Muscatine, Iowa. She was married January 14, 1875, to L. J. Myers. They had 
seven cliildren: Nellie, wife of S. O. Husted, of Kirksville; Gertrude, wife of F. C. 
Wright, of Coiuielsville; Winfield, of Denver, Colorado; Clyde and (derin, twins; 
Floyd; and Blanche. 

Mrs. Mj-ers was born and reared in Iowa, but moved to Kansas in 1879, remain- 
ing there eleven years. She then came to Missouri, settling in Putnam County. 
Later she went to Sullivan County. In 1903 she came to Adair County, going into 
the liotel business at Connelsville. Mrs. Myers conducts tlie only hotel at that 
place. 

WILLIAM WALLACE, a native of Columbiana Covmty, Ohio, was born Sep- 
tember 15, 1848. His parents were Robert and Rachel Wallace. He was married 
to Caroline F^itel, February 16, 1873. Mrs. W'allace was born in Adair County, 
February, 1856, a daughter of John and Mag<lalinia F^itel. They have four children 
living, and one dead: Lillie, born December 23, 1873, died June 10, 1896. She was 
the wife of P. C. Brammer; Delia, September 4, 1875, now Mrs. Daniel L. Niece; 
Stella, January 10, 1880, now Mrs. M. Z. Vice; William R., January S, 1883; Mary 
B., June 23, 1888, now Mrs. Lewis E. Burchett. 

Mr. Wallace moved to Adair County with his {)arents in 1852. He was reared 
on a farm in this county, and has followed the occujjation of farming all his life. He 
owns a farm of 160 acres, three miles southwest of Pure Air. Mr. Wallace is a Re- 
publican. His wife is a member of the Lutheran (;iiurch. 



914 



The History of Adair County. 





p^ 



Biographical. 



915 




916 



The History of Adair County. 



li 



i I 



! ^11 

iPrflil 






iJ^MK-r"' 




.^-rfxiik 



The Myers Hotel at Connelsville, Mrs. R. A. Myers, Proprietor 




IJcsideiice of \\m. \\allacc, :! miles southwest of Pure Air; Mr. and Mr.- 
\\ .■illace in foreground 



Biographical. 917 

WILLIAM O. BOZARTH, a native of Ailair County, was born on a farm near 
Hatlcii and reared on tlie old IJozartli i)lace, where J. A. Burehett now lives. After 
li\ins2; with his parents till fjrown, he then married and })oujiht. his present farm, 
wliere he has since lived. lie and his wife own 210 acres fom- miles north of Loeffler, 
on the Sullivan County line, forty acres being in that county. He is a breeder of 
Short-Horn cattle, Poland-China hogs, Percheron horses and Shropshire sheep. 

Mr. Bozarth was born September 11, 1855, being a son of James Madison and 
Rachel (McPhetridge) Bozarth. Mrs. Bozarth was born in Sullivan County, March 
11, LS72. They have no children. Mr. Bozarth is a Democrat. His wife is a mem- 
l)er of tlie Methodist Episcopal Church. 

EMERY D. WADDILL, a native of Adair County, Mi.ssouri, was born February 
2, 1872, being a son of (ieorge M. and Martha (Sparker) Waddill. He was mar- 
ried Februar,y 6, 1900, to Minnie Hulse, daughter of Thomas A. and Carrie Hulse. 
They have three children: Ilobert G., born May 20, 1901; Irene E., April 15, 1905; 
Eula F., September 9, 1907. 

Mr. Waddill was born and reared on a farm in the west part of Adair County, 
w here he lived with his parents till grown. After his marriage he began farming for 
himself and continued that occupation until 1905. Since that time he has lived in 
Kirksville. After serving as deputy County Clerk for one year he went into the 
pool and billiard business which he continued six years. In the spring of 1911 he 
sold that business and was elected City Marshall at the April election. Mr. Wad- 
di! owns -a farm of fifty-three acres, near Sperry, also- two residence properties in 
Kirksville. He is a Republican in politics and belongs to the Ycemen, K. of P. and 
Elks fraternities. 

HENRY WALLACE is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born November 
18, 1851. He is a son of Robert and Rachel (Brown) Wallace. He was married 
December 2, 1877, to Barbara A. Niece, daughter of George and Barbara Niece. 
They had four children: William, born January 4, 1879, died August 22, 1895; 
Rosa, April 25, 1880, now Mrs. Ed. Hoffman; Charles F., July 26, 1883; Cyrus D., 
June 28, 1888. 

Mr. Wallac(> came to Adair County, Missouri, in 1851. His parents settled on 
a farm six miles west of Kirksville. Henry Wallace was only a small baby at that 
time. The father died there July 4, 1854; the mother died in March of the same year. 
Mr. Wallace has lived in this county and farmed all his life, except five years spent in 
Sullivan County. He owns 228 acres, two miles southwest of Novinger. He is a 
Republican, a member of the Presbyterian church, and belongs to the K. of P. lodge. 

ROBERT McCLANAIIAN was born in Clay township, Adair County, Octo- 
ber 29, 1872. He is a son of Charles and Mary E. McClanahan. He was united in 
marriage September .17, 1892, to Effie Gleason, daughter of Lloyd W. and Emma 
Gleason. They have six children: Essie, born March 17, 1894; Noble, August 29, 
1896; Anna, November 6, 1898; Charles, March 20, 1901; Lawrence, October 22, 
1904; Oral, June 12, 1908. 

Mr. McClanahan was reared on a farm not far from where he now li\'es. He 
lived at home till twent}' years old, then married and began farming for himself. At 
present he owns a farm of IIS 1-2 acres, eight miles east of Kirksville. He belongs 
to the M. W. A. lodge. 



911 



The History of Adair County, 




o 

o 

o 



CO 



^ 



920 



The History of Adair County. 




Residence of Heiirv Wallace, 1 mile west of Novineer 







^^- '^- "' ^-^^^ 1 - -• ^-f" 'f- l ili ii ^ i iMi i i 



Cinlden Rule School House, 2 miles soutli of PiU'c Air 



Biographical. 



921 




Residence, Thresliing Machine and Barn of K(;bert McClanahan, 8 miles 
east of Kirksville. 



922 TnK History of Adair County. 

WILLIAM LUDDEN is a native of Adair County, Missouri, born January IS, 
1871. He is a son of Bernard and Anna Ludden. Mr. Ludden was married Feb- 
ruary 22, 1898, to Anna Nooning, daughter of William and Rose Nooning. They 
have seven c-hildren: Francis Dale, born March 9, 1S99; William Leo, April 25, 
1900; Catherine, January 23, 1902; Charles Robert, July 5, 190o; James Ernest, 
October 24, 1904; Margaret, March 21, 1906; John Florian, October 21, 1907. 

Mr. Ludden owns a farm of forty acres, situated seven miles north of Brashear. 
He is a Democrat in politics, a member of the M. W. A. fraternity and the Catholic 
church . 

JOSEPH M. LUDDEN, son of Bernard and Anna Ludden, was horn near Adair, 
Missouri, April 26, 1869. • He was married November 15, 1904, to Katie T. Clark, 
a native of Knox County, Missouri, born March 5,. 1880. Mrs. Ludden is a daughter 
of John li. and Marie Clark. They have three children: Gonzaga, l)orn August 
25, 1905; Vincent, February 8, 1907; Blanch G., April 5, 1909. 

Mr. Ludden lived on the farm with his parents till gnown. He farm<>(l till 189(), 
then quit farming, and went into the dinig business, at Adair. In 1906 he added a 
line of general merchandise to his drug store. At present he has one of the largest 
general stores of the kind in a town of that size in North Missouri. He has addtxl a 
line of farm implements and machinery to his stock. Besides the store at Adair 
the company owns and conducts one at Brashear, J. B. Ludden being the manager. 

Mr. Ludden is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Catholic church. 

C. H. SHIVELY was born in Dallas County, Iowa, August 14, 1870, being a 
son of John H. and Elizabeth Shively. He was married July 11, 1894, to Jennie 
B. Thayer, daughter of Roland and Maggie (Durfee) Thayer. They have three 
children: Clara R., born April 12, 1895; Margarite E., May 11, 1898; Harold E., 
July 10, 1899. 

Mr. Shively was reared on a farm near Perry, Iowa, remaining there with liis 
parents till twenty years old. He then left the farm and embarked in the livei>- 
business at Perry, continuing eighteen months. He next handled butter and eg^s 
a few years, also acting as agent for the Standard Oil Company for seven years. In 
1903 he catne to Kirksville, taking charge of the management of the Missouri Heat 
& Power Company. He is still in the same position. He is also owner and manager 
of the Kirksville Bottling Works. 

He is Republican in politics, and a member of the K. of P., M. W. A. and I'^lks 
lodges. 

EDWIN J. BETTS is a native of Marshall County, IlUnois, born November 21, 
1866, a son of George W. and Barbara Betts. He was married to Amanda Cooper 
July 18, 1905. Mrs. Cooper is a daughter of C. D. and Sarah J. Cooper. To this 
union was born one child — Vinnie, born May 13, 1906. Mrs. Betts was formerly 
the wife of LeGraiide Daman, l)y whom slie had one ciiild — Newell, born April 2ti. 
1901. 

Mr. Betts was reared on a farm in Illinois where he lived most of his life. He 
came to Adair County, Missouri, in the year 1898, and remained two years. He re- 
turned in 1904, and has lived here continuously since. At present he owns a farm ( f 
320 acres, three miles northeast of Adair, only 120 acres being in this county, tlie 
other in Knox County just across the line. Mr. Betts is a Democrat in politics and 
belongs to the Masons anil the I. O. O. F. 



Biographical. 



923 




T. M. Luddcn, Mairelinc 



924 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 



925 



o 




926 



The History of Adair County. 




L»t»t^f t^i»tf i^t»i^.i»t.^»»'-^^»>-^.i»t'^t»t-^i»t^»t^i»H>»«» 



BlOGUAI'HICAL. 



927 




Ed. lloralxxugh, Circuit Clerk, Kirksville 



928 The History of Adair County. 

CHARLES STUART ORCUTT was born in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, 
June 10, 1855, and died at his home in Kirksville, Missouri, May IS, 1910. He came 
with his parents to Shelby County, Missouri, in 1865, and in March of that year 
moved to Monticello, where his father died four years later. For several years he 
workef! on a farm. Sometime in the early seventies he learned the trade of a tinner. 
In 1879 he entered the newspaper field, and became editor and publisher of the Lewis 
County Journal. In 1891 he sold that paper, moved to Kirksville, and assumed con- 
trol of the Democrat, which he edited for many years. Prior to coming to Kirks- 
ville he served two terms as county treasurer of Lewis County. He was prominent 
in politics and a well-known newspaper man. He was a member of the Christian 
church and the I. O. O. F. lodge. 

Mrs. Orcutt was formerly Miss Mamie Allen, a daughter of Mr. and ]\Irs. Wil- 
liamson G. Allen, of Kentucky. She was united in marriage to C. S. Orcutt, Decem- 
ber 23, 1889. Mrs. Orcutt is a native of Lewis County, Missouri. Since the deatli 
of her husband she continues to make her home at Kirksville. 

JOHN H. JOHNSTON, a native of Carroll County, Missouri, was born De- 
cember 14, 1871, a son of J. P. and Clara (Eller) Johnston. He was married July 
2, 1893, to Miss Ada L. Morrow. Her parents are B. F. and Lucy (Propst) Mor- 
row. They had two children: Neva J., born October 12, 1895; Glenn, born No- 
veiTiber 3, 1897, died November 28, 1900. 

Mr. Johnston left Carroll County in September, 1893, soon after his marriage. 
He went to Mendon, Missouri, where he engaged in the restaurant and confection- 
ery business for about sixteen months. He then moved to Brashear, and later went 
into the butcher and restaurant business at that place, continuing two tears. He 
then took up fruit growing and gardening for a few years. In 1903 he went into the 
real estate, loan and insurance business, in which he is still engaged, being in ))art- 
nership with his brother, James A. Johnston. 

Mr. Johnston and his family are members of the LTnited Brethren church. He is 
also President of the Missouri Conference branch of Christian Endeavor. He be- 
longs to the M. W. A. and is clerk of the local camp. 

JOHN D. BELL was born March 28, 1823, near Louisville, Kentucky, and died 
in 1902. He came to Illinois in 1849, spending seven years, thence to Missouri in 
1857. He entered forty acres of land four miles south of Kirksville, and eighty acres 
east of Millard. He was a perfect farmer in his day, pulling weeds when too wet to 
hoe and hoeing when too wet to plough. He knew well how to use the ax, and through 
his industry laid by a sum which today a man would think could only be earned with 
the brain. He would make rails by moonlight, and ten o'clock in the evening and 
thr(>e in the morning often found him at his work. 

WALTER L. BROWN was born October 12, 1882, in Adair County, Missouri. 
His parents, Richard A. and Susan (Shoop) Brown, were old pioneers of the county. 
He was married March 14, 1904, to Millie Stettcr. They have one child — Lloyd, 
born October 9, 1907. 

Mr. Brown livcil at home with his i);u-(Mits until liis marriage, tlien went, to fann- 
ing for himself and for five years rented a farm near the home place. He (juit farm- 
ing and formed a partnership with S. F. Sliumate, a merchant, in 1909. In the 
spring of 1911 he sold his interest in the store at Connelsville, and bought a farm 
2 miles north of that place, where he now lives. 



BlOGRAPllK'AL. 



920 



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ffi 



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60 



930 The History of Adair County. 

EDWARD IIIGBEE was boni in Ashland County. Ohio, January 1, 1S47, being 
a son of Jesse ami Susan (Newniyer) Iligbee. Ho was married to Mary I. Birney, 
December 29, 1867, a thuigliter of Ebenezer and EUzabetltCLakin) liirney, in Schuy- 
ler County. They had eight children, seven of whom are living: George B., born 
November 12, 1868, died in early infancy; Helen B., December 19, 1869, now the 
wife of W. A. Leyhe of Dallas, Texas; Edna B., January 4, 1873, now wife of John 
E. Markey, of Glenwood, ^ilissouri; Florence D., September 4, 187o, now wife of 
Morgan G. Heap, of Twin Falls, Idaho; Frances E., August 20, 1877, now wife of 
Raymond Burkland, of Lancaster, Missouri; Walter Higbee, September 4, 1881; 
Daniel D. Higbee, May 4, 1888; and Zella Louise, November 21, 1890. 

Judge Higbee, as he is familiarly called, moved with his parents to Jolmson 
Count}', Iowa, in 1849, and was reared on a farm in that state. He atteniled the 
])ublic schools of his community and then took a course at the Iowa State University. 
He read law at Iowa Citj' and Bloomfield, and was admitted to the bar at the latter 
place in 1867. Immediately after this admission he moved to Schuyler County, 
Missouri, opening up an office at Lancaster for the practice of his profession. He 
trieil his first case in the circuit court at Kirksville in November, 1867. In 1899 
he formed a law partnership with John C. Mills, at Lancaster, the firm being known 
as Higbee & Mills. In 1905 they opened an office at Kirksville and the following 
year Judge Higbee moved with his family to that city, and has lived here and !)rac- 
ticed since that time. .\lso in 1905 his son, Walter Higbee, who is a graduate of the 
law department of the Washington University, at St. Louis, became a member of 
the firm, and was put in charge of the Lancaster office. In 1911 Paul D. Higbee, his 
son, having graduated from both the academic and law departments of the Missouri 
State I'niversity, also became a member of the firm. 

In 1S98 and again in 1902, Judge Higbee was the Republican nominee for Judge 
of the Supreme Court, and has also twice received the Republican nomin.ation for 
Circuit Judge, but in these cases he was defeated by the Democratic opponents. 
While residing in Schuyler County, in 1894, Judge Higbee was elected Representative 
of that county, in spite of the fact that the county at that time had a normal Dem- 
ocratic majority of about three hundred. He served one term. 

Judge Higbee is a member of Adair Lodge, No. 96, I. O. O. F., and of Kirksville 
Lodge, No. 105, A. F. and A. M., of Caldwell Chapter, No. 53, is Eminent Commander 
of Ely Commandery, No. 22, Kirksville, and a member of Moila Temple, St. Jo- 
seph. He is an ardent Republican and a devoted member of the Christian clnu'ch, 
ha\'ing been a member of the official board for several years. 

Although Judge Higbee gives his entire time to his law practice, he is inter- 
ested in farming. He owns a farm of 330 acres one mile east of Lancaster, while he 
and his law i)artner own some clioice farms in Adair County. 

JOHN T. BRUNER, born s(>ven miles southeast of Kirksville, November 6, 
1872, is a son of David and Miranda Bruner. On August 30, 1894, he married Min- 
nie Coleman, daugliter of Judge Clarkson C. and Cornelia Coleman, of Colony, Mis- 
souri. They had two children: Donald Herbert, born .January 26, 1896: David 
Clarkson, born January 16, 1903, died June 16, age five months. 

Mr. Bruner was born and reared on a farm near Kirksville. After his marriage 
he farmed for one year, then moved to Kirksville, engaged in the implement business 
for a time, later working at the milling business. In 1896 he went into the jewelry 
business in Kirksville, stayed there two years, then in 1898 engaged in the same work 



BlOGRAI'HICAL. 



931 






932 The History of Adair County. 

at Brashear. He now has a fine jewelry store at that place. He is considered an 
expert. At one time he and W. S. Vawter were partners in that work at Brashear. 
He is a member of the Masonic, Royal Arch and Knights Templar bodies of 
of Masonry, is also a member of the I. O. O. F. and M. W. A. lodges. He, wife and 
son Donald are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

B. R. VIRDEN was born on a farm near Shibley's Point, Adair County, Missouri, 
September 20, IS.'SU, a son of Hiram and Elizabeth (Wilson) Virden. When quite 
young his father moved to Nineveh township, and there B. R. Virden p,rew to manhood 
on a farm. He attended the public school and took a course in the Kirksville Bu.s- 
iness College. After teaching for some time he was employed in 1887 by Moore 
Bros., general merchants at Stahl, as salesman and bookkeeper, in which cajjacity 
he worked for several years. Later he was employed by the Pennsylvania Coal 
Company, as store manager and bookkeeper. At present he is engaged in the rail- 
road tie and wood business, at Stahl. He is also interested in some coal and farming 
land near Stahl, and business property at that place. Mr. Virden is a Republican 
and a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge. 

ALVA M. CROW was born and reared on a form near Trinity, Missouri. He 
is a son of R. T. and Sarah (Stewart) Crow. The date of his birth is September 14, 
1876. On January 1, 1899, he married Maude Lewis, a daughter of George Wash- 
ington and Sarah C. (Griggs) Lewis. Mrs. Crow came to Adair County .\pril 11, 
1880. They have three children living, and one dead: Morris E., born January 16, 
1900; Cecil S., September 5, 1901; Byrdio D., February 2S, 1903, died when three 
weeks old; Boyd L., April 10, 1906. 

Mrs. Maude Crow's father was George Washington Lewis. He was born No- 
vember 6, 1843, in Madison County, Ohio. In 1880 he came to Missouri, married 
Sarah C. Griggs, near Downing, Missouri. He bought a farm called the Hop Nai>p 
farm, four miles east of Greentop, Missouri. He lived there till his death. May 9, 
1908, aged 64 years, 6 months, 3 days. He left a wife and five children: Sarah C. 
Lewis, Ernest B. Lewis, Maude J. Crow, Loney L. Mj'ers, Emma Grace Lewis, Beu- 
lah A. Pierce. 

Mr. Crow lived on the farm near Trinity, where he was born, till grown, then 
bought eighty acres of his present farm, married and went to farming for himself. 
He has lived on the same farm continuously since that time, buying other land until 
he now has 600 acres. It is one- of the best improved farms in the county. He is 
a breeder of Hereford cattle and fine hogs and horses. 

He is a Republicaii in j^olitics, and Mrs. Crow is a member of the Methodist 
church. 

JAMES I. YOWELL, son of Henry L. and Elizabeth Yowell, was born in Schuy- 
ler County, March 3, 1881. He was united in marriage January 1, 190F). to Nellie 
McMaster, daughter of Robert and Mary McMaster. Mrs. Yowell wns born in 
Kansas, December 2, 1882. They have no children. 

Mr. Yowell came to .\dair Count}' when about one year old, and Vwod in this 
counly till 1908. He was engaged in farming most of that time, but was in the mer- 
cantile business at Pure .Mr din-ing 1907, with his brother J. O. Yowell. In 190S he 
went to the state of Washington, and riMnainefl two years. On his return he farmed 
one year, and then went into the mercantile business again with his brother at Pure 
Air. He also owns about twenty acres of land at Pure .\ir, and handles thorough- 
bred Percheron horses. Mr. "^'owell belongs to the Democratic party. 



BlOGRAPEUCAL. 



933 




Resideiici", Family and Barn of Alva M. Crow, 4 miles east, of Greentop 



934 



The History of Adair County. 




Residence of J. I. Yowell, Pure Air 




Animals Ix-loiifiinji lo I'lirc Air Draft Horse Company 



Biographical. 935 

JAMES A. WELLBORN was reared on a farm near SjK'rry. He is a native of 
Adair County, born March 21, 1865, a s^n of Orlando and Mary (Stewart) Well- 
born. He lived on the farm near Sperry till tw(>iity-two, attendin{>; the public school. 
He al.so took a course in the State Normal Scliool at Kirksvillc. He taught school 
and farmed for six years, then in 1886 he boufiht his present farm where he has since 
li\ed. In 1S98 he put a store buildino; on his farm, and started a general store, near 
the place known as Trinity. He still owns the store and farm. lie has a farm of 
eighty acres, five miles soutlieast of Greentop. 

Mr. Wellborn was married March 20, 1887, to Emma C. Hart, daughter of Wil- 
liam and Elizabeth (Cragg) Hart. She was born in Adair County May 22, 1867. 
They have five children: Maude M., born May 8, 1888; Mary E., June 30, 1891, 
now Mrs. Rolla S. Griggs; Frances K., November '.], 1892; Grace E., May 21, 1900; 
James A., Jr., July 1.5, 1902. 

Mr. Wellborn is a Democrat and a member of the M. W. A. lodge. 

JOHN W. CORNELL, a son of Sebastian and Margaret (Pring) Cornell, was 
born on the old home place northwest of Brashear, September 13, 1873. He was 
married August 12, 1896, to Gertrude Cooper, daughter of Albert and Mary (Doss) 
Cooper. She was born in Hancock County February 17, 1873. They have no 
children. 

Mr. Cornell lived at home till grown, then marrietl and began farming for him- 
self. He now owns a farm of forty acres near the old home place, making a sj)ecialty 
of handling Short-Horns, Polled-Angus and other fine (tattle, and Duroc-Jersey hogs. 
He is a member of the Church of God. 

SEBASTL\N H. CORNELL was born in Carroll County, Maryland, Septem- 
ber IS, 1846. He is a son of William and Mary M. Cornell. Mr. Cornell was mar- 
ried to Margaret E. Pring, December 25, 1867, at Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indi- 
ana. She was born in Allen County, Indiana April 15, 1840. Mr. Cornell came with 
his parents to DeKalb County, Indiana in 1851. They have five children: Emilia 
A., now^ Mrs. John W. Waddill; John L. W.; Mary A., now Mrs. L. M. Waddill; 
Martha E., now Mrs. Isaac Powell; Ella M., now Mrs. C. D. Ferguson. 

Mr. Cornell moved to Adair County, Missouri, in the fall of 1867, where he has 
since lived. He is a farmer. His farm consists of 190 acres, twelve miles northeast 
of Kirksville, Missouri. 

ELMER E. HUSTON, a hotel keeper at Brashear, was born in Carter County, 
Pennsylvania, May 28, 1861, being a son of George R. and Abighal (McEwen) Hus- 
ton. He was married November 10, 1887, to Duffie S. Deaton, daughter of Meri- 
deth G. and Laura (Zimmerman) Deaton. She was born near La Plata, August 9, 
1867. The3- have no children, but one adopted daughter— Nellie B. Huston, born 
June 15, 1897. 

Mr. Huston came to Adair County with his parents when seven years old, and 
was reared on a farm near Gibbs. After grown he followed the occupation of farm- 
ing till 1901, then w'ent to Idaho and remained one year. Returning to Adair County, 
he went into the hotel business at Brashear, in which he is still engaged, being very 
popular among traveling men. He also owns a farm of 100 acres near Edina. He 
is a member of the Masonic and 1. O. O. F. lodges, and his wife belongs to the Chris- 
tian church. His father, George R. Huston, was at one time Judge of the County 
Court . 



936 



The History of Adair County, 




BlOGRAPHK'AL. 



937 




Residence and Barn of Sebastian H. Cornell, 12 miles northeast of Kirks- 
ville; Mr. antl Mrs. Cornell in front of residence 



938 



Thp: History of Adair County. 



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Store and Residence of .Tames Wellborn, Trinity 



Bi()<;haimiical. 



931) 



P2 




940 The Histoky of Adair County. 

REV. WILLIAM DAVID ENDRES was born in iMcDonough County, 111., near 
Bushnell, October 13, 1870. He attended the High School at Blandinsville, Illi- 
nois. At the age of nineteen he entered Christian University at Canton, Missouri, 
and received his A. B. degree in June, 1901. After his graduation he became the 
pastor of the Christian Church at Montgomery City, Missouri, where he ministered 
for three years. During his pastorate there he was married to Miss Lora M. Mudd, 
daughter of L. D. Mudd, also of Montgomery City. He later entered Drake Uni- 
versity to do post-graduate work, and took the B. D. degree in June, 1906. From 
there he went to Chicago, where he served the churches of his denomination as pas- 
tor and studied Sociology in the University of Chicago, from which institution he 
was granted the degree of Master of Arts. July 1, 1911, he was called to the pastor- 
ate of the First Christian Church of Kirksville, Missouri, where he now resides with 
his wife and two children, Cynthia Elizabeth, and W. D., Jr. 

RALPH E. LEE, a native of Iroquois, Illinois, was born June 8, 1872, being a son 
of E.W. and Persis I^ee. He was born and reared on a farm in Illinois, remaining there 
till twenty-three years old, then went to Schuyler County, Missouri, where he lived 
and farmed. In 1887 he came to Adair County, where he has since lived and farmed. 
At present he owns a good farm of eighty acres, one and one-fourth miles northwest 
of Adair. He engages in general farming and stock raising. He is a socialist in pol- 
itics. 

Mr. Lee was married January 21, 1894, to Maggie Jones, daughter of B. F. and 
Caroline Jones. They have eight children: Floretta M., born November 3, 1895; 
Frank H., September 10, 1897; Erma C, March 10, 1899; Ernest F., February 17, 
1901; Henry J., July 26, 1903; Robert E., September 18, 190.5; Dwight E., July 
13, 1907; Frederick W., September 3, 1909. 

JOHN T. NORFOLK was born in Baltimore, Maryland, December 23, 1846, 
being a son of Thomas H. and Mary Norfolk. He was married in 1860 to Eliza 
Hodgsen, a daughter of Thomas and Rebecca (Boring) Hodgsen. They have seven 
children:' F. M., born, in 1807; George T., 1869; William H., 1871; Alice, 1873; 
Lafayette, 1875; J. P.; 1879; C. C, 1884. 

Mr.' Norfolk moved to Pennsylvania with his parents when only about nine years 
old and was reared there on a farm. He lived at home till the breaking out of the 
Civil War, and then in 1863 enlisted in 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry for a period of 
three years. He served until August 23, 1865, when he was mustered out of service 
at Camp Chase, Ohio. He then returned to Pennsylvania and remained there till 
1871 . At that time he came to Adair County, Missouri, where he has since lived and 
been engaged in farming. At present he owns a farm of 245 acres about foiu- miles 
northwest of Gibbs. He does general farming ami stock raising. 

Mv. Norfolk is a Republican in ])olitics, a member of the Christian church and 
belongs to the G. A. R. 

C. I. SPENCER was born in Adair County, Missouri, near Gibbs, August 16, 
'1888, being a son of W. Scott ancUAddie Spencer. He was married July 20, 1911, 
to Virgie Davidson, daughter of J. W. and Callie Davidson. 

Mr. Spencer was born and reared on a farm where he lived with his parents till 
February, 1910. He was at that time aijpointcd carrier on R. F. D., No. 1, Gibbs, 
Missouri, which position he now holds. 

In politics Mr. Spencer is a Pojjulist, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. and M. 
W. A. fraternities. 



BlOGKAPIJICAL. 



941 




Rev. W. D. Endrcs, Kirk.sville 



942 



The History of Adair County. 




Residence and I'^iniilv of Halnli Lee, 1 1-4 miles northwest of Adair 



BiDGJtAPHKAL. 



943 



X 




944 



The History of Adair County. 




u 



BltXiRAPHK AL. 945 

JUDGE R. W. HART, son of \\illiain and Elizabeth (Craggj Harl, was born 
in Adair County, fourteen miles northeast of Kirksville, August 29, IS/)!). He was 
married September 22, 1880, to Maria Mackoy, a native of Illinois. Mrs. Hart is 
a daughter of James and Sarah Mackoy. Mr. and Mrs. Hart have three children: 
James W., born October 1-4, 1882; Lawrence M., July 6, 1887; R. Waring, February 
25, 1890. Both James and Lawrence are married, and live near their father. 

Mr. Hart was born and reared on a farm near where he now lives. His father 
was one of the early settlers of this count}', coming here and entering land in the 
earl.y days. Mr. Hart lived at home till married, then his father gave him part of 
the farm on which he now lives. Later he purchased land adjoining and now has fjOO 
acres, one of the best farms in the county, with a beautiful home and sjjlendidly im- 
proved. 

He is a stockholder and i)resident of the Farmers State Bank at Greentoj), and 
is also interested in other business enterprises. In 1906 Mr. Hart was elected Judge 
of the Second District, and re-elected in 1908. In 1910 he was not a candidate. He 
is Republican and takes a deep interest in politics. He and his family belong to the 
Methodist Church, South. 

THOMAS J. HICKMAN is a native of Ohio, and was born in Belmont County 
of that state April 16, 1865, being a son of Isaac and Mary Ann Hickman. Mr. 
Hickman has been twice married, his first wife being Miss Elizabeth Scobee, to whom 
he was married November 2, 1854. They had two children: Sarah, born April 
27, 1857; James L., March 29, 1864. After the death of his first wife he married 
Lucinda Hughes, a daughter of Lewis Hughes. They were married July 3, 1873, 
and they have three children: Charles L., born July 10, 1874; Amy E., August 
27, 1879; Maude, March 19, 1884. 

Mr. Hickman moved with his parents to Adair County, Missouri, in 1852, set- 
tling near Old Nineveh. He lived there on a farm till grown, then took up the vo- 
cation of farming, in which he has been engaged all his life. In 1907 he retired and 
moved to Connelsville and was appointed postmaster at that place in 1910, his daugh- 
ter, Maude, serving as his assistant. In January, 1911, he resigned as postmaster 
and moved with his family to Walla Walla, Washington, where he now lives. 

At the breaking out of the war Mr. Hickman enlisted in the 11th Missouri Cav- 
alry', which was later consolidated with the 2d Missouri Cavalry. He saw much 
active service, taking part in the battle at Cape Girardeau, as well as many skirmishes 
with bushwhackers. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Christian 
church . 

HENRY G. GARLOCK, born in Adair County, Missouri, near Brashear in 
1872, is a son of Jacob and Martha Garlock. He was married April 15, 1903, to 
Jane Long, daughter of George B. and Mary Long. 

Mr. Garlock was born and reared on a farm. He lived at home till grown, then 
married and began farming for himself. All his life he has been a farmer, and at pres- 
ent owns a farm of 120 acres, three miles northeast of Gibbs. He engages in general 
farming and stock raising. _ _ 

He is a Republican in politics and a member of the United Brethren church. 
His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. 

Mr. and Mrs. Garlock have three children: Walter, born December 23, 1905; 
Esther, July 5, 1907; Olin, December 28, 1908. 

61 



946 



The History of Adair County, 




Residence and Barn of Judge R. W. Hart, near Trinity 







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948 The History of Adair County. 

G. A. PROSSER was born in Knox County, Missouri, January 6, 1884, and is 
a son of Allen and Alice Prosscr. He was married August 16, 1908, to Mary I. Buck, 
a daughter of E. W. and Eliza Buck. They have one child — Pauline Oda, born 
November 17, 1909. 

Mr. Prosser is a teacher. He was fitted for this work by attending the rural 
schools of Knox County. After finishing the course as prescribed in the country 
schools he attended Centenary Acatlemy, Palmyra, Missouri. He then finished a 
business course at Gem City Business College, Quincy, Illinois. He has attended the 
Kirksville State Normal School two or more years. 

As a teacher Mr. Prosser has been eminently successful. After teaching sev- 
eral years in the rural schools of Adair County, where he won the reputation of be- 
ing one of the best rural teachers, he was, in 1910, elected to the principalship of the 
Willard School of Kirk,sville. He was re-elected in 1911, and still holds that position. 

JAMES W. FARMER was born in Scliuyler County, Missouri, February 21, 
1877, being a son of William Q. and Naonn Farmer. He was married April 12, 1911, 
to Nettie Gleason, daughter of Mark and Nancy Gleason. 

Mr. Farmer moved to Adair County with his parents when two years old. Here 
he lived till grown, then began farming for himself. He has followed that occupa- 
tion since that time and at present owns a farm of 200 acres, three and one-half miles 
northeast of Sperry. He handles Shropshire sheep, Poland-China hogs, Short- 
Horn cattle and English Shire and Coach horses. 

Mr. Farmer is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his wife belongs 
to the Baptist church. 

JAMES I. BURRIS was born in Boone County, Indiana, in 1854, and is a son 
of Robert and Palma Bin-ris. He was married in 1881, to Ida Burch, a daughter of 
Moses and Eufona Burch. They have one child — Ora F., born March 22, 1886. 

Mr. Burris was born in Indiana, but came to Adair County, Missouri, with his 
parents when only three years old and has lived here continuously since. He lived 
with his parents on the farm till grown, then continued farming for himself. He has 
followed that occupation all his life. At present he owns a farm of forty acres, two 
miles northeast of Kirksville. It is well improved and he has a very pretty home. 

Mr. Burris is a Democrat in politics and takes a deep interest in political affairs. 
He is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, and he and his family belong to tlie Presby- 
terian church. 

CHARLES J. CUNNINGHAM, a native of Adair County, Missouri, was born 
May 31, 1884, being a son of Green B. and Ann (Eitel) Cunningham. He was mar- 
ried December 16, 1903, to Lillie Yowell, daughter of Henry L. and Elizabeth Yow- 
ell. Mrs. Cunningham was born August 4, 1883, being also a native of this county. 
They have three children: Vernon, born July 9, 1905; Delmas, June 27, 1907; 
Lola, January 27, 1910. 

Mr. Cunningham was born and reared on a farm in the western part of Adair 
County, where he lived at home with his parents till his marriage. He then began 
farming for himself and has followed that occupation all his life. .\t ])resent he 
owns a farm of 330 acres, two miles east of L(cfHer, his land being well imjjroved. 
This farm is the original home place. Mr. Cunningham is caring for his i)arents. 
He engages in general farming, stock feeding, etc. In politics he is a Republican. 



Biographical. 



949 




G. A. Prosser and familv, Kirksvilh 




Calvin J. Barjicr and Family, ."> miles nortlicasi. of Kirksville 



950 



The History of Adair County. 







P^ 



BlOGUAPHICAL. 



951 




952 



The History of Adair County. 




liosiilonce, family, caltlo and wheat harvest .scene on farm of Charles 
.1. ('iinninj.'ham, near Loeffh r 



Biographical. 



953 




Judge R. W. Hart, near Trinity 



954 The History of Adair County. 

JUDGE SOLOMON F. STAHL was born at Bethel, Shelby County, Missouri, 
P'ebruary 8, 1851. His parents were Frederick and Margaret Link Stahl. His 
father and grandfather were among the original colonists of the German communistic 
colony founded at Bethel by Dr. William Keil in 1844, some accoimt of which has 
been given in a section in this book on Nineveh. Judge Stahl was educated in tlip 
school maintained by the colony at Bethel. At the age of thirteen years he was 
assigned 1 he work of a clerk in the colony store and served in that position from 18G4 
to 1866. 

In 1S66 he came to Nineveh, Adair County, at which place a branch of the Bethel 
Colony had been established in 1849. He and J. G. Bauer were made the colony's 
mercantile agents at Nineveh, and acted as such until 1870. In that year he with- 
drew from the colony and began business for himself in Nineveh in partnership with 
J. D. Miller. The firm was burned out in November, 1873, everything having been 
lost. Judge Stahl then moved to Shibley's Point, a few miles to the north of Nin- 
eveh, and was engaged in business there from 1874 to 1880. He then moved to what 
is now Stahl in this county and developed the coal industry there in a commercial 
way. He remained there until about 1882, when he moved to Kirksville, and in 
connection with D. C. Pierce engaged in the wholesale and retail grocery business. 
He was elected assistant cashier of the First National Bank, commonly known as the 
Baird Bank, and continued in that business until 1885. He then moved to Benton- 
ville, Arkansas, and was engaged in the banking business there until 1897. In that 
year he was appointed U. S. Marshall for the Western District of Arkansas for four 
years by President McKinley, and was afterwards reappointed for another four 
years by President Boosevelt. In May, 1906, he again returned to Kirksville, and 
was elected President of the Kirksville Savings Bank. In 1907 he severed his con- 
nection with that institution and was elected cashier of the National Bank of Kirks- 
ville, which position he still holds. 

Judge Stahl is a Republican in politics. He was elected County Judge for Dis- 
trict Number One in Adair County in 1880, and served for two years. He was U. 8. 
Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas from 1897 to 1905, as has already been 
said. He is a member of the Presbyterian church. Prior to the union of the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian and the Northern Presbyterian churches, he was a member of the 
former. He has been an elder for thirty years. He is a member of the Masonic 
lodge and of the Commandery. 

He was married to Miss Sarah Shoop January 9, 1874. To them six children 
liave been born: Mrs. Lilhe A. Hennon, Kirksville; Claude C, deceased; Ray E., 
deceased; Dr. C. S. Stahl, Kirksville; Richard F., Kirksville; Mrs. Nellie A. Black, 
Johnstown, Pennsylvania. 

CHARLES BENNETT was born February 25, 1872, in Vinton County, Olii". 
He was married to Grace Miller, a daughter of Otis and Nancy E. Miller, March 20, 
1900. They have three children: Ruth M., born March 2, 1903; Clifford C, March 
2, 1906; Clinton L., September 19, 1907. 

Mr. Bennett came to Adair County, Mi.ssouri, in 1890, moving from Illinois, 
where he had lived with his parents since quite young. He purchased his jjrcsent 
farm in 1902, and has always been engag(>d in general farming and stock raising. 
He is a Democrat and a member of the (christian church. 

Mrs. Bennett is a member of one of the pioneer families of the county, her motli- 
er being tlie first white girl born in Adair County, Missouri. 



Biographical. 



955 




Judge S. F. Stahl, Kirksville 



956 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 957 

CHARLES L. FISHER was born in Saxony, Crrniany, October 22, 1S23, and 
came to America in 1S4S by \vH\f of New York. He went to Cliicago and lived one 
year, then settled in Iowa. Here he married Caroline Aener, July 4, l.S,52. She 
was also a native of Germany, being born in Berlin September 20, 1S25. In the 
fall of 1847 she came with her parents to America by way of New Orleans where tliev 
remained one year, then moved to Muscatine, Iowa. 

Charles L. and Caroline Fisher moved to Adair Coimty, Missouri, in the fall 
of 1856, where they lived till the death of Mr. Fisher, October 5, 1886. His widow- 
moved to Kirksville a few months after his death and made this her residence till 
her death, October 16, 1891. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fisher had three children, two daughters and one son: Otto E. 
who died November 15, 1908, lived at Willmathville, MLssouri; Amelia (Fisher) 
Gardener and Emma (Fisher) Koelh, wh\> live in Los Angeles, California. 

O. E. FISHER, deceased, was a native of Adair County, Missouri, and was 
born near Willmathville, February 14, 1858. His parents, Charles L. and Caroline 
Fisher, were among the earliest settlers of this county, coming here in 1856. They 
lived on a farm in that section till their death in the earlj^ eighties. Charles L. Fisher 
died October 5, 1886; Caroline Fisher died October 16, 1891. 

Mr. Fisher was reared on a farm at the old home place, living there with his 
parents till grown. He then married and continued the occupation of farming till 
his death, November 15, 1908. He owned a farm of 120 acres, one mile west of 
Willmathville, w^hich is now the property of his widow; and one farm of 160 acres, 
two miles west of W'illmathville. Since his death Mrs. Fisher and her children have 
remained at the place and conducted the farm. 

Mr. Fisher was one of the prominent men of this section and was regarded as an 
excellent citizen. 

He was united in marriage September 20, 1885, to Anna Clouse. They had 
three children, all of whom are living: Verna D., Leonard F., and Orville M. 

JUDGE WILLIAM C. DITMARS, born in Clark County, Missouri, April 17, 
1859, is a son of Henry S. and Sarah (Anderson) Ditmars. He was married Septem- 
ber 23, 1879, to Narcissus Byrd, daughter of John S. Byrd. They had eleven chil- 
dren, three of whom died in infancy: Ida L., born September 3, 1879, now the wife 
of James Ewing; Nellie M., November 28, 1881, wife of C. O. Bledsoe; Ella M., 
December 6, 1883, wife of W. A. Shelton; Charles W., August 1, 1885; William M., 
March 10, 1887; Eva F., April 30, 1888, wife of Ed. Palmer; Warner S., September 
15, 1889; Opal P., August 18, 1894, wife of Frank Hays. Mrs. Ditmars died Novem- 
ber 30, 1903. Mr. Ditmars was again married April 21, 1907, to Margaret V. Eason, 
daughter of John G. Eason. 

Judge Ditmars moved to Illinois with his parents when five months old, living 
there two years, then went to Iowa. Here his parents remained till 1868, then came 
to Adair County wKere the Jijdge has since lived. He has always been engaged in 
farming and owns a farm of 240 acres, three miles northeast of Sublette. He also 
has 160 acres in Colorado. He is a general farmer and stock raiser, and a breeder of 
Aberdeen-Angus cattle, fine horses, mules, etc. 

In 1903 he helped to organize the Farmers' State Bank at Greentop and is a di- 
rector and stockholder. From 1901 to 1905 he served as Judge of the First District, 
and from 1907 to 1911 he was Presiding Judge. He is a Republican and a member 
of the M. W. A. fraternitv. 



958 



The History of Adair County. 




Residence of Mrs. Annie Fisher, near Willmathville; Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Fisher 
her husband's parents, both deceased 




The Old Fisher H(unestead, near \\ ilhnathville 



BlOGRAl'HICAL. 



959 




Judjic W. C. Dilmars, Children, and Kesidence, 3 miles northeast 
of Sublette 



960 The History of Adair County. 

SAMUEL W. WEAVER was born in Noble County, Indiana, August 23, 1863, 
being a son of John and Nancy (Fretz) Weaver. 

Mr. Weaver moved to Cooper County, Missouri, with his parents when only 
five years old, remaining there three years. They then moved to this county, set- 
tling on a farm near Kirksville. They remained on the farm nine years and then 
moved to Kirksville where Mr. Weaver has since lived. On coming here he learned 
the plasterer and bricklaying trade and worked at that business continuously till 
1900. At th;it time he and his brother, J. C. Weaver, started a cement plant. It 
is known as Weaver Bros. Granitoid Works, and they manufacture cement blocks, 
put down sidewalks and do all kinds of ornamental work. 

The cement plant is one of the most extensive in North Missouri, and they have 
done a vast amount of business. Their work has been confined largely to Kirksville 
and the evidences of their labor and skill can be found in all parts of the city. These 
two brothers have been partners in business since they were boys, and they have 
never had a misunderstanding nor even a settlement. It has been share and share 
alike with perfect harmony, working for each other's interests. Although one of 
them is married and the other single, the home belongs to both and they live in per- 
fect amity. As an example of brothers and partners in business, this is exceedingly 
remarkable. 

Mr. Weaver was never married and makes his home with his brother at 302 
North Baltimore Street. He is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, South. 

JOSEPH C. WEAVER, a son of John C. and Nancy (Fretz) Weaver, was born 
in Noble County, Indiana, April 16, 1865. He was married October 11, 1893, to 
Stella Cheney, a daughter of Marion and Nettie (Cowell) Cheney. They had five 
children, four of whom are living: Nellie, born December 1, 1894, died December 
28, 1894; Benjamin F., February 17, 1896; John B., May 15, 1900; Alma G., June 
10, 1905; Anna B., October 31, 1910. 

Mr. Weaver moved to Cooper County, Missouri, with his parents when only 
three years old. After remaining there about three years they moved to this coun- 
ty and settled on a farm near Kirksville. About nine years later they moved to 
Kirksville where Mr. Weaver has since resided. Soon after moving to Kirksville 
he learned the trade of bricklayer and plasterer, working at that business contin- 
uously till 1900. Then, in connection, with his brother, S. W. Weaver, he started a 
cement plant, known as Weaver Bros. Granitoid Works. It is situated near his 
home at 302 North Baltimore Street. They do all kinds of granitoid work, as well 
as manufacturing cement blocks, and have a most excellent business. Mr. Weaver 
and his brother have been partners in business since early manhood. He is a Demo- 
crat in politics and a member of the M. W. A. lodge. 

Mrs. Weaver was born in Macon County, Mis.souri, March 3, 1872. She came 
to Adair County with her parents when but a child and has lived here since. 

At the time of the cyclone at Kirksville, Mr. Weaver and his brother were liv- 
ing where they do now, and their parents were making their home with them. All 
the members of the family were at home, which was directly in the path of the cy- 
clone. The younger member+^«f the family couki have found safety in flight after 
they saw the storm coming, but refused to leave their parents, both of whom were 
too feeble to get away. The houses which was a large nine-room building, was com- 
pletely demolished, broken up into the smallest fragments and si)lit into kindlirg 
wood. All the furniture was destroyed, except a piano stool which stood on the 



Biographical. 



9G1 






^^ 



iri 



^^y<oy^xoA>y^y.oy^y^y;^ 



r-' 




i->^i* 



Weaver Bros.' Residence and (Jranitoid Works, Kirksville 



962 The History of Adair County. 

floor ill Uic parlor and was not even turned over. This was the only thing left of the 
house and all its furnishings. Their father, who was sitting in a rocking chair, was 
carried about twenty feet north of the building, the chair broken into the smallest 
bits, and he was so severelj' injured that he died in a few minutes. Joseph C, the 
married brother, was very badly crushed, and it was thought for some weeks that 
he could not recover. His wife was also so badly hurt that her life was despaired of. 
Ben F., then their only child, was also very badly hurt. Miss Ella, a sister, who is 
now Mrs. Frank Davis, but who was then single and at home, had both legs broken, 
the kitchen range being literally picked up and throv/n on her. The only members 
of the family who were able to walk after the storm were Samuel W. and his mother, 
both of whom were badly bruised. 

Joseph C. Weaver and his wife have four very talented children. Ben F., the 
oldest child, is almost a musical prodigy. He is an accomplished pianist and plays 
all sorts of instruments. He has taken but few lessons, and at the age of four years 
he jjlayed the piano in public concert. 

EDWIN REED is a native of Kirksville, Missouri, born November 14, 1871, 
a son of Samuel and Georgiana Reed. He was married June 14, 1894, to F]mma 
Ross, daughter of Marcus J. and Mary Ross. They have one child — Ruth R., born 
November 28, 1903. 

Mr. Reed was reared in Kirksville and belongs to one of the oldest families in 
the county. He attended the public school and the St. Louis School of Pharmacy, 
graduating in 1892. He worked for Mr. Font in the drug business till 1894, when 
he formed a partnership with S. R. McKeehan, the firm being known as McKeehan 
& Reed. He owns stock in the Electric Light Company, Ivie Coal Company, Star 
Coal Company, Trust Company, Citizens National Bank, and the Union Station 
Bank, of St. Louis. He belongs to the Elks, K. of P. and Ma.sonic lodges. 

SAMUEL RUSSELL McKEEHAN was born in Appanoose County, Iowa, 
June 15, 1860, being a son of James and Jane McKeehan. He was married June 
20, 1880, to Laura B. Pickler, daughter of George and Emily Pickler. They had 
four children, two of whom are living: Ethel, born August 24, 1881, now wife of 
Eldie Wood; James S., January 30, 1883, died October 10, 1891; Mettie, born 
October 15, 1886, died November 26, 1889; Edwin Carl, July 3, 1890. 

Mr. McKeehan was born and reared on a farm in Iowa, remaining there till 
1876, when he moved with his parents to Adair County, Missouri, where he has 
since lived. They settled on a farm near Kirksville, and he remained at home with 
them till 1879, when he married and followed the vocation of farming till 1884. He 
then moved to Sublette where he remained five years and was engaged in the mer- 
cantile business. At the end of that time he came to Kirksville and went into the 
drug business with his brother. In 1894 the latter sold his interest to Ed. Reed. 
The firm is known as McKeehan ik Reed, and they have been in the drug business 
in Kirksville continuously since that time. They are now located on the west side 
of the square and have what is conceded to be one of the handsomest stores in North 
Missouri. Besides hiK drug business, Mr. McKeehan is interested in many other 
business enteri)ri,ses. He is a stockholder in (he Citizens National Bank; owns a 
large amount of stock in the Kirksville electric light and ice plants, also in the Star 
and Ivie coal companies. 

Mr. McKeehan is a Dcmociat in politics and a uhmuIxm- of the Elks and I. 0. 
O. F. lodges. 



Biographical. 



963 




964 



The History of Adair County. 





•f "p|^*f 



Residence of S. R. McKochan, Kirksville 




Residence of Edwin Reed, Kirksville 



Biographical. 9()5 

REUBEN A. SLAUSON was horn in tlie town of Marion, I'crry County, Ala- 
bama, November 26, 1870, being a son of Daniel H. and Julia A. Slauson. He was 
married September 27, 1891, to Mollie S. Jameson, daughter of William B. and K\\y/d 
J. Jameson. They had seven children, five of whom are living: Stanley II., born 
July 16, 1892, died August 13, 1S93; James R., September 6, 1893, died Sejitember 
19, 1893; Edith G., August 25, 189i; Leo G., September 13, 1899; Harry E., IS'o- 
vember 25, 1902; Hershal A., June 10, 1906; George I\I., June 27, 1910. 

Mr. Slauson moved to Schuyler County, Missouri, with his parents when about 
a year old. Here he was reared on a farm, living there till grown. He then learned 
the carpenter's trade and has followed that occupation and farming since, except 
two and one-half years he was weighmaster for the Manufacturers Coal and Coke 
Company mines. 

He moved to Adair Count}' soon after his marriage and lias lived here since that 
time. At present he owns a farm of eighty acres, one and one-half miles east of 
Trinity Store. Mr. Slauson is a Republican in politics, and served as constable of 
Clay township two years. 

JANE E. PATTERSON, a native of Ohio, was born April 18, 1850, being a 
tlaughter of Joseph and Phoebe Keller. She was married December 5, 1869, to 
Sylvester Hill, son of Isaac and Mary Ann Hill. They had five children: INIartha 
Etta, born January 30, 1871, died when two years old; Flora Alice, June 16, 1874; 
Rosa Lee, January 5, 1876; Eva M., July 19, 1878; Gordon, November 24, 1880. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hill lived in Kirksville for about twelve years, where Mr. Hill 
died in February, 1883. He taught singing schools all over the county, and was 
highly respected wherever known. Mrs. Hill and family still resided in Kirksville 
until the fall of 1884. Mrs. Hill was again married and became the wife of John 
Patterson, who died February 25, 1909. They had no children. Mrs. Patterson 
now lives seven miles east of Kirksville, on land adjoining the old Patterson home- 
stead . 

JACOB W. SCOTT was born in Adair County, Polk Township, October 18, 
1860. He is a son of Andrew and Mary Scott. He was united in marriage Sep- 
tember 3, 1882, to Ellen Bond, daughter of Hugh and Sarah (Hardin) Bond. They 
had seven children: Martin W., born Augu.st 4, 1883; Jessie, August 12, 1885, now 
Mrs. Frank Gillispie; Harry J., July 25, 1888; Nina E., December 13, 1892; Edna 
L., December 9, 1894; Jasper, December 23, 1896; Lula E., July 4, 1899. 

Mr. Scott was reared on a farm in this county, twelve miles northeast of Kirks- 
ville. He now owns a farm, three miles southwest of Greentop, in this county. It 
consists of eighty acres. He also owns forty acres in Nineveh Township. He has 
farmed all his life, except sixteen months which he spent in serving as janitor at the 
court house, being appointed in October, 1909. 

He is a member of the Anti-Horse Thief and "SI. W. A. lodges. 

DAVID SEES, a native of Ohio, was born May 18, 1865, being a .son of Thomas 
and Margaret Sees. He was married December 17, 1885, to Estella Parsons, daugh- 
ter of Ephraim and Marietta Parsons. They have one child — Harry, born June 21, 
1888. Mrs. Sees was born in Illinois, February 10, 1866. 

Mr. Sees came to Adair County, Missouri, with his parents in 1868. He owns 
a farm of 114 acres, four miles west of Brashear, but devotes his time to carpenter- 
ing and contracting, making his home at Brashear. He has built the greater part 
of the best buildings at Brashear. He also takes large contracts in other towns, be- 
ing considered an expert in his line. 



966 



The History of Adair County. 




Residence of Reuben A. Slauson, 1 1-2 miles east of Trinity 




Residence of Mrs. Jane Patterson, 7 miles east of Kirksville 



Biographical. 967 

DR. A. W. PARRISH wiis horn in Scotland County, Missouri, March 2, 1S51, 
being a son of Dr. A. and M. A. Parrish. He was married March 7, 1877, to Emma 
L. Bartlett. They had three children, two of whom are living. Those living are 
E. C. Parrish, of Omaha, Nebraska, and Dr. Bert B. Parrish, of Kirksville. 

Dr. Parrish was born and reared on a farm in Scotland County, remaining there 
with his parents till grown. He attended the public schools of his neighborhood 
and took a course at the Memphis High School. He then entercnl the Keokuk Med- 
ical College at Keokuk, Iowa, graduating from tliat institution in 1875. He entered 
the practice of his profession at Queen City, remaining there till 1895. He then 
came to Kirksville, where he has since lived and been engaged in the general practice 
of medicine and surgery. 

Dr. Parrish is a Democrat in politics, a member of the I. O. O. V. lodge, also be- 
longs to No. 366, A. F. and A. M., and to the Chapter, all of Kirksville. 

SEVRENIOUS R. BURCHETT, deceased, was born in Adair County, Mis- 
souri, October 21, 1858. He was married October 25, 1885, to Mary E. Kimberly, 
daughter of Ira and Margaret (Wilson) Kimberly. Mrs. Burchett was born in De- 
fiance County, Ohio, August 10, 1864, coming to Adair County, Missouri, in 1868. 
They had si.x children: Emmett, born August 27, 1886; Otto, August 2, 1888; 
Nettie, November 23, 1889, now the wife of Gail Custer; Lena, October 11, 1891, 
now the wife of Clarence Darr; Warner, May 28, 1897; Ruby, September 10, 1900. 

Mr. Burchett was born and reared on the farm on which his widow now resides. 
He lived with his parents, George and Elizabeth Burchett, till grown, then mar- 
ried, and for four years farmed for himself. He then moved to the old home and 
helped to care for his parents till their death, purchasing the old home place. Here 
he lived and farmed till his death, September 4, 1907. The farm consists of 160 
acres, five miles northwest of Pure Air. Mrs. Burchett has conducted the farm 
since his death. His father was a native of Ohio, and came to Adair County, Mis- 
souri, in the late forties, living there till his death in 1898. Mr. Burchett was a 
Democrat. 

LEONARD NEWCOMB was born in Lee County, Iowa, April 19, 1848, being 
a son of David and Anna B. Newcomb. He was married January 19, 1871, to Jane 
Heryford, daughter of James and Eliza Heryford. Mrs. Newcomb was born in 
Scotland County, Missouri, September 4, 1848. They had four children, three of 
whom are living: Fannie, born July 4, 1872, now the wife of O. M. Sparks; Harry 
W., April 11, 1880; Maude, March 31, 1884, now wife of Harry A. Kunz; Nellie, 
June 20, 1889, died January 4, 1903. 

Mr. Newcomb came to Adair County, Missouri, with his parents in 1856, set- 
tling on a farm which Mr. Newcomb now owns. His father lived there till his death 
in 1892, his mother dying in 1889. 

After his marriage Mr. Newcomb began farming for himself on a jjart of the old 
home place, and after the death of his parents came into possession of a part of the 
liome farm. It consists of 320 acres, two miles north of Sperry. He akso owns 
twenty acres just across the line in Schuyler County. He does general farming and 
stock raising. 

Mr. Newcomb is a Democrat in politics and he and his wife are members of the 
Christian church . 



968 



The History of Adair County. 




A. W. I'anish, M. I)., Kirk.sviUe 



Biographical. 



969 




S. R. Burchett (deceased) and Family, 




Residence of L. F. Moody, .) miles east of Kirksville 



970 



The History of Adair County. 







Lronard Ncwcoinh and Family, 2 miles north of Spurry 



Biographical. 971 

GREEN B. CUNNINGHAM, a native of Adair County, was born January 9, 
1847, being a son of Janios and Sarah Cunningliani. He was married January 5, 
1S6S, to Julia A. Eitel, a daugliter of (iottliel:) and Magdalena Eitel. Th(\v liad 
four ehildren: Claudy B., born October 16, 1S7(), died September 1(1, bS79; John, 
January 7, 1870; Mag(hUen;i, Septemlier 11, ISSO, now tiie wife of John I'^arr; Charles 
J., May 31, 1884. 

Mr. Cunningham was born near Millartl, where he lived till 1850. His father 
then went to California and died there. He went with his mother to Randolph 
County, Missouri, remaining about a j^ear, during which time his mother died. Mr. 
Cunningham then returned to Adair County and made his home with Abal Sluke\' 
until grown. After his marriage he began farming for himself and has followed thai 
occupation all his life. He had no school advantages. His wife taught him to read 
and write. Mr. Cunningham had a farm of 800 acres which he turned over to his 
children, retaining a life right in it. He now lives at the old home place, near Lteffler, 
where he has a very pretty home. 

At the breaking out of the war Mr. Cunningham joined Company M, 2nd Mis- 
souri Cavalry, serving until 1864, then re-enlisted in Company H, 42nd Missouri 
Infantry, and served till the close of the war. He saw much hard service. Mr. 
Cunningham is the third oldest man born in Adair County. James Kennedy is the 
second oldest. There are said to be only two native soldiers of this county living. 
Mr. Cunningham is one and Mr. Kennedy the other. 

JUDGE J \.COB SANDS was born at Darlington, Montgomery County, In- 
diana, February 20, 1S3S, being a son of Benjamin W. and Margery (Barker) Sands. 

Judge Sands was born and reared on a farm in Indiana, remaining at home there 
with his parents till the breaking out of the war. At the beginning of that conflict 
lie assi.sted in organizing Company C, 36th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and \\as made 
First Sergeant. Later he was promoted to Lieutenant for meritorious conduct at 
the battle of Pea Ridge. After serving almost four years he re-enlisted in the same 
company. He took part in many important engagements, including the battle of 
Pea Ridge already mentioned, and the siege of Corinth. In the fall of 1862 he was 
sent to Cincinnati and from there to Louisville, being put in Sheridan's division. 
While with this army he fought in the battle of Perrysville, Chickamauga, Mission 
Ridge and Stone River, in the latter battle 230 soldiers of his regiment were killed, 
wounded or captured. Judge Sands was in Illinois at the time of the Lincoln-Doug- 
las campaign and heard several of the famous debates between these two men. 

x\t the close of the war Judge Sands came to Adair County, Missouri, and bought 
a farm in what is known as the Illinois Bend neighborhood. He lived there and 
farmed till 1868, when he was elected County Judge. He then sold his farm and 
moved to Kirksville where he has since resided. He served four years on the bench 
and then for six j-ears acted as railway mail clerk on the Wabash. He was then 
elected Probate Judge of this county, serving for six years. Later he also filled the 
office of County Collector for two years. Since then he has retired from active busi- 
ness. He is an ardent Republican and has been honored in many ways by his party. 
He is a member of Corporal Dix Post, No. 22, G. A. R., Kirksville, being Past Com- 
mander of this organization. He is also a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. order. 
Judge Sands is a Republican in politics and a devoted member of tlie Methodist 
church. 



972 



The History of Adair County. 




Kcsidcncc and liiirn of Green B. Cunningham, near Lcrfflor. Mr. and 

Alr.s. Cunningham in foregroimd, and cannon-halls shot at the 

battle of Kirksville on chair. Center picture, Mr. Cunningham 

and James Kennedy in flsiiing boat at Yarrow 



BlOGUAPllICAL. 



973 




Tlie old Red School House, near ytahl 




Residence of Jacob R. Cook, 4 miles north of Gibbs 



974 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 975 

E. B. CAMPBELL was Ijorn in AIcDoiioush County, Illinois, December 21, 
1860, and is a son of John S. and Nancy V. (Bridges) Campbell. He; was married 
March 14, 1883, to Tilla Reed, daujihter of John T. and Sarah (Joints) Reed. Mrs. 
Camjibell was born in Warren County, Illinois, January 17, \S{):',, and died No- 
vember 2G, 1910. They had five children, three of wiiom are livinji;: Ralph R., 
born January 5, 1887; Ward C, August 4, 1890; Arthur D., March 30, 1892, died 
June 12, 1892; Claude R., October 2, 1895; Krman B., March 30, 1S97, died July 
13, 1<S99. 

Mr. Campbell was born and reared on a farm in Illinois, remaining at home with 
liis parents till grown. He attended the public schools and took a course at I'^lliot 
Business College, at Biu-lington, Iowa. Soon after quitting school he married and 
moved to Stronghurst, Illinois, where he went into the mercantile business, and was 
also engaged in banking. He helped to organize the First National Bank at that 
place, was the principal stockholder, and chairman of the finance committee. In 
1902 he sold out his interests at Stronghurst and moved with his family to Adair 
County, Missouri, where he has since lived. Since coming here he has given his 
entire attention to banking. At present he and his sons, Ralph R. and Ward C, 
own and conduct a bank at Gibbs, Missouri, and one at Bucklin, Missouri. Mr.. 
Campbell is president of both banks; Ralph R. is cashier of the in.stitution at Gibbs, 
and Ward C. the one at Bucklin. Both institutions are in splendid condition and 
ably and carefully managed. Mr. Campbell is also interested in other business en- 
terprises, owns a large tract of land near Stronghurst, Illinois, and also a large body 
of land in Arkansas. 

Mr. Campbell is a Republican in politics and a devoted member of the Chris- 
tian church. He has been a member of the official board of the church at Kirks- 
ville for a number of years. 

WARD C. CAMPBELL was born at Stronghurst, Illinois, August 4, 1890, 
being a son of E. B. and Tilla Campbell. He was married August 16, 1911, to Edna 
Millay, daughter of Robert and Laura Millay. 

Mr. Campbell moved with his parents to Adair County, Missouri, in 1902. He 
attended the public schools, took a two years' course at the State Normal and a 
business course at the Kirksville Business College. After his completion of that 
course he entered his father's bank at Gibbs, Missouri, as bookkeeper. In the spring 
of 1911 he and his father bought a bank at Bucklin, Missouri, he being made cashier 
of that institution. Since then he has married and makes his home at that place. 

Mr. Campbell is a Republican in politics and he and his wife are devoted mem- 
bers of the Christian church. 

THE ELKS LODGE building was erected in 1910, the corner-stone being laid 
June 29, 1910, with elaborate ceremonies, with visitors from all parts of the state. 
It was completed the latter part of the year and formally opened January 3, 1911. 
The building is conceded to be one of the handsomest of the kind in the state, and 
is splendidly furnished, the building and furnishing costing about .132,000. It is 
located on the corner of Jefferson and Elson Streets. 

The local lodge now has a membership of 400, the largest in the state outside 
of the big cities. The following are the officers for 1911: B. L. Bonfoey, E. R.; 
S. S. Cavett, E. L. K.; B. E. Sees, E. Ly. K.; E. Conner, E. Lect. K.; Audrey D. 
Risdon, Secretary; F. O. Kloos, Treasurer; L. M. Ewing, Tyler.; Frank Miller, 
I. G.; Harry S. Jonas, Esquire. Trustees: H. M. Still, "\A'. B. Hamilton, Chas. R. 
Milbank. 



976 



The History of Adair County, 








Bank of (iibbs, E. B. Ciimpbell, rnvsklcnt; Ralph 1{. Campliell, Cashier 



Biographical. 



977 



M 




978 



The History of Adair County. 








r'^lL^ U^ ^^ • .'' the sand. 




Interior ]']ll<s' ('luh, Ivirk.svillc, and Dclcjiation that AttcndtMl the State 
Mcctiny;, H. I'. O. K. at Macon, June, 1911 



Biographical. 979 

DR. E. S. OUINN was horn in New York Novcnihcr 17, IS.V,). Hi.s parents 
were Matthew and Mary (^uinn. Ho came to Adair County, Missouri, with his pa- 
rents when a small boy and has lived here since. He was married J>me 9, 1891, to 
Mary Hayes, daughter of Michael and Anna Hayes. They haxc tlu-e(> children: 
Carmelita, born January 2, 1893; Hayes, January 11, 1897; Marian, March 14, 
1908. 

Dr. Quinn was educated in the public schools of Adair County and took a course 
in the State Normal School. He also attended the Oakland College, at Novelty, 
Missouri. He took a course in medicine at Louisville, Kentucky; graduating from 
the medical department of the Marion Sims Medical College, at St. Louis, Missouri, 
in 1896. Soon after graduating he entered the pra(;tice at Kirksville, and has been 
here continuously since. At present he is president of the Adair County Medical 
Association, and belongs to both State and National Associations. 

He taught in the public schools six years; served as deputy clerk and recorder 
four years, from 1890 to 1894. He is a Democrat and a member of the Elk and Wood- 
man lodges. He is a member of the Catholic church. 

JUDGE GEORGE W. NEWTON was born in La Fayette County, Wisconsin, 
August 6, 1862, being a son of William and Ann Newton. He was married August 
1, 1885, to Lela Ives, a daughter of David R. and Mary Ives. They have twelve 
children: Ada, born September 8, 1886; Lola, November 17, 1778; Ray L., Jan- 
uary 5, 1889; Mabel, March 24, 1890; Orville W., September 1.5, 1891; Hazel, Au- 
gust 22, 1894; Kenneth E., July 16, 1896; Mary, January 26, 1901; Harold R., 
July 20, 1903; Lucille, May 25, 1905; Edna, March 30, 1909; George W., Jr., Feb- 
ruary 18, 1911. 

Judge Newton moved with his parents to Macon County, Missouri, February 
22, 1870, and was reared on a farm in that county. After he was grown and mar- 
ried he continued the occupation of farming and resided in that county till 1894. 
He then moved with his family to this coimty, where he has since lived and farmed. 
He owns a splendid farm of 387 acres near Gibbs, and does general farming and stock 
raising. 

He was elected County Judge of the Second District in 1S9S, serving four years. 
In 1902 he was elected Presiding Judge of the County Court and served for a like 
j^eriod. Judge Newton is a Republican in politics and a member of the Universal- 
ist church, but does not affiliate with any lodges. 

CHARLES L. HALL was born in Macon County, Missouri, February 25, 1877, 
being a son of Henry H. and Augusta (Hastings) Hall. He was married March 2, 
1896, to Cora M. Sinclair, daughter of George E. and Dora Sinclair. They have 
six children: Ernest, born October 10, 1896; Mary, March 22, 1898; Marie, Sep- 
tember 21, 1899; Charies W., March 6, 1901; Sidney, January 5, 1903; Mamie, 
INIarch 17, 1905; Bernice, February 14, 1907. 

Mr. Hall was born and reared on a farm in Macon County, attending the public 
s':^hools of his neighborhood. When about grown he mover! with his parents to Milan,- 
Missouri, completing his education at the Milan High School. He lived and farmed 
in Sullivan County till 1896, when he moved to Adair County, where he has since 
lived. At present he owns a farm of 320 acres, twelve miles southea.st of Kirks- 
ville, which is regarded as one of the fine farms of the county and is well improved. 
He is a breeder of fine horses and cattle and does general farming. 

Mr. Hall is a Republican in politics, a member of La Plata lodge, No. 237, A. F. 
and A. M., and he and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. 



980 



The History of Adair County. 




4 













j; 



^ if 

X — - ! > 




• '^^N* ^« \>^^• >>\\» >sv» >>^t« 




E. S. Qiiinn, M. 1)., Kirk.svillc 



Biographical. 



981 




Residence of E S. Q linn, },l. D., Kirksxille 



982 



The History of Adair County, 




Judge C W. Nowton, Family, liani and Home, near (lihl) 



Biographical. 



983 




Residence, Family and llor^vs on Farm of Charles L. Hall, 12 miles 
southeast of Kirks\'illc 



984 The History of Adair County. 

HENRY SHERMAN was born and roarod on a farm in Illinois, living there with 
his parents till twenty-one years old. He then went to Nebraska, taking a homestead 
in Seward County. He remainetl there three years, then moved to Sumner County, 
Kansas, buying a farm which he conducted eight years. He then came to Scotland 
County, Missouri, bought a farm, and lived there till 1905. At that time he came to 
Adair County, bought his present farm of 115 acres, situated four and three-fourths 
miles northeast of Kirksville, where he has since lived. 

Mr. Sherman was born April 14, 1854, in La Salle County, Illinois, being a sou 
of Henry and Susan (Sweet) Sherman. He was married December 4, 1877, to Ellen 
Spiece, born December 14, 1857, in New York City. They have three children liv- 
ing, two dead: Ada, born October 5, 1879, now the wife of John Clayton; William 
T., December 22, 1886; Mabel, June 9, 1889; Henry died in infancy; Gertrude, died 
when about three years old. 

He is a member of the M. W. A. and I. O. O. F. lodges. Mrs. Sherman is a mem- 
ber of the Christian church. Mr. Sherman is a Democrat in politics. 

T. D. BELL was born in Belmont County, Ohio, June 2, 183G, being a son of 
William B. and Rebecca Bell. He was married December 8, 1858, to Martha Cur- 
tis. They had three children: Anna Laura, deceased wife of Hon. J. \\. Johnson; 
Clyde C; Elizabeth Jane. His second wife was Miss N. M. Reynolds, whom ho 
married November 20, 1891. They had two children: Fannie, born February S, 
1897; Rebecca, September 1, 1902. 

In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company E., 98th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 
entered the army of the southwest department of the Cumberland, operating in 
Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolina, \'irginia and 
Maryland. He was in the battles of Perryville, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Look- 
out Mountain, Dalton, Rome, Dallas, Peachtree Creek, Jonesboro, and many minor 
engagements. He servefl two years as sergeant. After the downfall of the Confed- 
eracy, he was mustered out at Washington, D. C, in June, 1865, and came to Adair 
County, Missouri, the following year, locating in Clay township, twelve miles north- 
east of Kirksville. He owns a nice farm there and raises fine stock. He is also a 
mechanic. 

Mr. Bell was a Democrat until recently, but is now an uncomiiromising Repub- 
lican, belonging to the Insurgents. He is an active worker in the Missionary Baptist 
church, of which he has been a member since 1859. He belongs to the G. A. R. and 
T. (). O. F. lodge. 

LEMUEL C. BOZARTH, son of Beverley A. and Francis (JacLsonj iiozurth, 
was born in Adair County, on the farm he now owns, February 7, 1857. He was 
united in marriage April 25, 1880, to Mary E. Shott, daughter of Jonas and OUie 
(McPhetridge) Shott. Mrs. Bozarth was born in Adair County, .\pril 23, 1862. 
They had twelve children: Pearl M., born February 17, 1881, now Mrs. Joseph 
Page; Ira P., July 11, 1882, died Augu.st 12, 1883; Minnie A., May 30, 1S84; Ollie 
F., May 17, 1887, now Mrs. Albert Thomas; Ida E., October IS, 1889, i^.ow Mrs. 
G. L. Miller; Edna O., October 13, 1891; Arthur J., June 13, 1894; Mary Adaline, 
Augu.st 20, 1896; Lemuel A., January 8, 1901; one child, a twin of Lemuel, dieil in 
infancy; Leonard C, September 17, 1902; Jes.se P., August 14, 1904. 

Mr. Bozarth was reared on the farm he now owns, which is six miles south of 
Novinger. He lived at home with his parents until grown anrl married. He has 



BlOGKAPHICAL. 



985 





-m 




?i" 


i 


■^ * 


.^ 



V^ 



Residence and Barn of Henry Sherman, 5 miles northeast of Kirksville; 
Mr. and Mrs. Sherman and granddaughter in foreground 



986 



The History of Adair Chtikty. 




I.. C. Hozartli's Hcsidciicc and Family, 6 miles south of Novinger 



Biographical. 987 

spent all his life in this county, and on the same farm. It consists of ItiO acres. 

Beverley A. Bozarth, father of Lemuel, was born in Howard County, Missouri, 
January 15, 1S22. He came to this county in 1829, being among the first white 
settlers to come to this region. He lived here till his death, November 2;"), WHY.]. 
His wife was Francis Jackson, and they had eleven children, nine of whom are liv- 
ing. Five are now residing in this county: Alexander; L. C; Aminda, now Mn^. 
Bioii Ziegler; Ida, now Mrs. Charles Monarch; Julia, now Mrs. James Pinkirion. 

Mr. Bozarth belongs to the Universalist church, his wife to the United Brethren. 

JAMES H. NOVINGER came to Adnir County with his i)areiits in iSfjl, set- 
tling where the town of Novinger now stands. He lived at home till grown, then 
at the breaking out of the war he enlisted in Company A., R. C, serving only a few 
months, thezi joined the 8tate Militia, .serving till August, 1802. He then joined 
Company D, 27th Missouri Infantry, remaining in its service till the close of the 
war. He was first sergeant of his company. At the close of the war he returned 
home, married, and began farming. This occupation he followed till 1893, when he 
moved to Green City, where he now lives. He was also interested in the mercantile 
business at Novinger for several years. He still owns a farm of 240 acres, just west 
of Novinger. Since moving to Green City he has been in the l)anking business, 
being president of the bank. 

Mr. Novinger was born in Dauphin Comity, Pennsylvania, April 20, 1840, be- 
ing a son of John C. and Sarah (Shott) Novinger. He was married January 21, 
1866, to Elizabeth Shoop, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Snyder) Shoop. Mrs. Nov- 
inger is a native of Adair County, born near Novinger, Missouri, October 18, 1843. 
They have two children: Joseph E., born November 17, 1866; Sarah E., March 
3, 1872, now the wife of Daniel C. Myers, of Green City, Missouri. 

J. H. Novinger is a Republican. He was Judge of the County Court of Adair 
County from 1885 to 1887, township assessor three terms, and Justice of the Peace 
of Green City several terms. He belongs to the Presbyterian church and the G. A. R . 

ABRAHAM OWEN SANBORN was born at La Crosse, Wisconsin, Septem- 
ber 14, 1857, being a son of Isaac Mason and Alice (McCullough) Sanborn. He 
was married May 20, 1888, to Permelia Eggleston, daughter of Andrew and Harriet 
Eggleston. They had two children: Clyde Ray and Asa Owen. Mrs. Sanljorn 
died March 22, 1905. He was afterwards married to Geneva Eggleston, a sister of 
his first wife. They have no children. 

Mr. Sanborn moved with his parents to this county in 1859, settling two miles 
north of Kirksville, where he lived five j-ears, and in the fall of 1864 moved to the 
farm where he now lives, and where he has lived continuously since. It consists of 
220 acres, four miles east cf Kirksville, and is well improved. He does general farm- 
ing and stock raising. Mr. Sanborn is a Republican in politics and he and his fam- 
ily are members of the Christian church. 

Isaac M. Sanborn was born in Vermont January 1, 1796. He moved from 
there to Wisconsin and from there to Minnesota. In 1859 he came to Adair County 
and was taken ill while on the trip, dying three weeks after his arrival here. His 
wife was born in 1822 in Ardee, Ireland. She came to America when a young girl 
and lived in New York eight years. She then moved to Wisconsin where she was 
married November 10, 1853, to Mr. Sanborn. After his death she married Ansalum 
Moody, with whom she lived until his death in 1886. She then made her home with 
her son until her death, June 4, 1906. 



988 



The History of Adaiu County. 





Mr. and Mrs. James H. Noviiisor, of (Jrecn City, and tlioir Farm 
Home, near Novin^or 



Biographical. 



989 




S. A. Novinger and Fiimily, near Novingcr 



990 



The History of Adair County. 




"A 



X 



Biographical. 991 

PHILIP CARNAGEY moved to Adair County, Missouri, with liis parents in 
1S65, and settled near where he now Hves. \Vh(>n grown lie left home, married 
and began farming for himself. He has followed the oceui)ation of farming all his 
life. At present he owns a farm of 292 acres, one and one-half miles southwest of 
Pure Air, and makes a specialty of breeding Aberdeen-Angus and Short-Horn cattle, 
Poland-China hogs and I'erclieron horses. He is a m(>mb(>r of the Pure Air Breed- 
ers' Association. 

Mr. Carnagey was born in Ashland County, Ohio, October 10, IS.W, being a son 
of George A. and Mary (First ) Carnagey. He was married March 25, 1.S88, to Jilmma 
I.. Eitel, daughter of Christopher and Catherine (Etzel) Eit(>l. Mrs. Carnagey was 
born in Adair County, October 24, 1S69. They had seven children: Eva F., born 
I'^^bruary 10, 1889, died September 10, 1890; Laura B., December 27, 1890, now 
the wife of R. J. Barnett; Olive D., August 31, 1893; Alta M., April 11, 1896; Mat- 
tie M., August 25, 1898; Opal L., October 28, 1902; Andrew A., March 15, 1906. 
All the children were born on the place where they now live. 

Mr. Carnagey is of Scotch descent, and a distant relative of Andrew Carnegie, 
the Iron King, the way he spells his name being the old Scotch fcjrm. Mrs. Carna- 
gey's mother, Mrs. Catherine Eitel, is still living, and makes her home with her chil- 
dren. She was born February 16, 1834, in Germany, coming to America in 1853. 
She came to Adair County, Missouri, in 1855. Her maiden name was Etzel, and 
she married the same year she came to this county to Christopher Eitel. 

Mr. Carnagey is a Republican and a member of the Methodist church. 

ROBERT J. BARNETT was bon^ on a farm in Grundy County, Mi.ssouri, 
April 15, 1886. He moved with his i)arents, Perry B. and Mariah J. (Shaney) Bar- 
nett, to Laredo, Missouri, when two years old. His father was engaged in business 
there for six years; then moved to Kirksville, Missouri, where he lived eight years. 
He then bought a farm near Nind, Missouri. Here Robert lived with his parents 
until his marriage, then moved on a farm two miles west of Nind, Missouri, lived 
there one year, then moved on his father-in-law's farm near Pure Air. He still rents 
100 acres of that farm and lives there. 

Mr. Barnett was married December 31, 1908, to Laura B. Carnagey, daughter 
of Philip and Emma I... (Eitel) Carnagey. They have no children. In politics he 
is a Republican. 

JESSE O. YOWELL came to Adair County when two years old. His parents 
settled near Piu'e Air, where his father now lives. Mr. Yowel! engaged in farming 
until 1907, then went into the mercantile business at Pure Air, where he still owns 
and conducts a store. He handles general merchandise. Besides his store he OAvns 
a farm of 128 acres, two miles southwest of Pure Air, and thirty acres where the town 
of Pure Air is located. He is a stockholder in the Burk Bros. Packing Company at 
Ivirk.sville. On the farm he raises Poland-China hogs and Percheron horses. 

J. O. Yowell was born in Schuyler County, Missouri, February 28, 1879, being 
a son of Henry and Elizabeth Yowell. He was married March 2, 1903, to Eva Vice, 
daughter of Samuel C. and Mary Vice. Mrs. Yowel! was born in Adair County 
December 13, 1878. They have three children: Mary E., born December 21, 
1903; Odes.sa M., May 2, 1906; Dental A., August 7, 1908. 

Mr. Yowell is a Democrat in politics. 



992 



The History of Adair County. 



ygU/.^-^^. 




liosidoncc and Family of Philip Carnagoy, also Residence of his son-in-law, 
ilobcrt J. Harnett, 1 1-2 miles southwest of Pure Air 



BlO(iHAPIIl('AL. 993 

B. F. REESMAN was born on a. i'tirni ('i<!;lit miles southeast of Kirksviile, liv- 
infi there till <iro\vn. He atteniled the })ublic school and took a course at the State 
Normal School at Kirksviile. After t(>achinK scn'eral years he studied at the Amer- 
ican School of Osteopathy, graduatinii' in 1900. He then went to Idaho. pracMced 
(ill 1905, then returned to Adair County and resumed the occupation of farminj^. 
At present he owns a farm of 140 acres, W(>1! improved, situated five miles east of 
Kirksviile. Here he has lived since tiivinu' up his practice. He does general farming 
and stock raisinji. 

Mr. Recsman was born October 29, 1874, being a son of ]i. G. and Florence 
(Benedict) Recsman. He was married October 2, 1900, to Bertha Barrows, daughter 
of Otis T. and Catherine (Cai-rington) Barrows. They have three children: Homer, 
born April 23, 190(1; Howard, October 19, 1907; Harold, October 11, 1910. 

He belongs to the K. of P. and M. W. A. lodges. 

BEDFORD KEITH DICKERSON is a native of Adair County, Missouri, 
and was born near the ])resent town of Millard, June 5, 1872, being a son of Patrick 
H. T. and Catherine I. Dickerson. He was married February 13, 1898, to Anna 
Salisbury, a daughter of John and Mary Salisbury. They had four children, only 
one of whom is living: William H., born August 20, 1899, died the same day; Mary 
I., January 5, 1901, died January 8, 1901; Pearl R., October 25, 1906, diefl the same 
day; Bedford K., Jr., May 9, 1908. 

Mr. Dickerson was born and reared on the farm he now owns and has lived there 
all his life. It consists of 160 acres and is situated about four miles southeast of 
Millard. It is a splendid farm and is one of the historic places of the county. Mr. 
Dickerson is a member of the I. O. O. F., A. F. & A. M., M. B. A. and M. W. A. 
fraternities, and he and his wife are members of the Christian church. 

PATRICK H. T. DICKERSON, deceased, was born November 20, 1832, in 
Barren Coimty, Kentucky. His parents died when he was small, and in 1849 he 
and his brother. Harden Dickerson, came to Missouri, making the trip on foot. They 
arrived at Dover school house, in Adair County, Missouri, October 25, 1849, where 
their brother, Edward, was teaching school at that time. Mr. Dickerson entered 
land in Macon Coimty, remaining their till the spring of 1861. He then moved to 
Adair County and purchased the farm that his son B. K. Dickerson now owns, liv- 
ing there till 1898. He then moved to La Plata, where he died April 26, 1899. 

He was married to Catherine I. Saltmarsh, December 22, 1852. They had 
ten children, five of whom of are living: Mrs. Dickerson was born in Lawrence- 
burg, Indiana, November 19, 1837, and came to Missouri in 1851, settling in Macon 
County. She died at La Plata September 3, 1902. 

GEORGE W. WALTERS, a native of Adair County, Missouri, was born Oc- 
tober 25, 1883. liCwis and Rachel Walters were his parents. Mr. Walters still 
lives on the old home place near Stahl, and assists his father in farming. They have 
500 acres of land. He is a breeder of Percheron horses and owner of two fine stal- 
lions. He also handles Short-Horn cattle and Poland-China hogs. 

Mr. Walters was married December 25, 1905, to Bessie M. Novinger, daughter of 
Jacob B. and Margaret Novinger. Mrs. Walters was born August 24, 1880, in 
Adair Countj' near Stahl, Missouri. They have three children: Ralph W., born 
September 27, 1906; Delta M., December 16, 1907; George Francis, October 25, 
1910. 



994 



The History of Adair (V)Ttnty. 




Kcsidcnco and Barn of H. V. Hccsnian, 5 miles casl of Kirksvillr 



Biographical. 



995 




Mr and Mrs. Patrick H. T. Dickerson, deceased; Residence, Family and Barn 
of their son, B. K. Dickerson, four miles southwest of Millard 



996 The History of Adair County. 

HARRY BALGH, a merchant of Youngstown, was born at Farmington, Illi- 
nois, January 13, 1876, being a son of Harvey and Amanda (Lance) Balch. He was 
married August 22, 1897, to Effie A. Young, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Sharr) 
Young. They have one chiltl — Hazel P., born July 31, 1908. 

Mr. Balch moved with his parents to Iowa when very small. After living there 
five years they went to Nebraska where he grew to manhood, helping on the farm 
and attending the public school. He also attended a high school at Friend, Ne- 
braska. When grown he farmed several years for himself, then in 1894 came to 
Andrew County. Missouri, coming to Adair County one year later. In 1897, at the 
time of his marriage, he went back to Nebraska, where he remained and farmed 
four years. Returning to Adair County, Missouri, in 1901, he farmed for three years, 
then on the starting of Youngstown, in 1904, built the first house in that town. With- 
in the next year he started a store at that place, going into the mercantile business. 
He has been in business there since, being the main man in that thriving little city. 
The census gives a population of forty two, with two stores, blacksmith shop and 
church. It is surrounded by a splendid farming community, and was part of a farm 
belonging to Mrs. Balch's father. Mr. Balch was postmaster at Youngstown for 
nearly three years. 

PETER L. MILLER was born July 1, 1870, in Adair County, Missouri, near 
Brashear. He is a son of John and I^lizabeth (Biggs) Miller, both of whom are dead. 
On October 14, 1891, he was united in marriage to Anna Wilson, daughter of Andrew 
J. and Susan (Harrell) Wilson. They have seven children: Dee, born January 4, 
1893; Ina B., September 23, 1894; Clyde L., November 29, 1895; Alta M., Sep- 
tember 7, 1897; Charles, December 1.5, 1902; Marie, February 18, 1907; Alma, 
July 16, 1910. 

Mr. Miller remained on the farm near Brashear till grown. His father owned 
the land where Brashear now is, part of it belonging to Mr. Miller for a time aft<'r 
his father's death in 1884. After his father's death he began farming for himself, 
living near Brashear till 1903. He then bought his present farm and has lived there 
since. It consists of 120 acres, five miles southeast of Gibbs, well improved. He 
lias a pretty home. He is a breeder of Poland-China hogs, fine horses and cattle. 

P. L. Miller is a Republican and a devoted member of the Christian church. 

ISAAC NEWTON CAPPS, son of Henry and Charlotte (Thorpe) Capps, is 
a native of Adair Comity, born March 27, 1866. He was married November 20, 
1889, to Ida Uber, daughter of John and Chloe (Voorhies) Uber. She was born in 
Mercer County, Pennsylvania, Ajiril 13, 1862, and came to Adair County, Missouri, 
in 1865. They have four children: Oletha L., born January 22, 1892; Ermine P., 
December 3, 1893; Winona M., November 22, 1895; Everett N., January 8, 1899. 

Mr. Capps was reared on the farm he now owns, on land entered by his father, 
who came to this county in 1844. His father was one of the best known farmers 
of the county, and died at the old home place January 28, 1901. Mr. Capps attend- 
ed the )iubli(; school, and took a course at the State Normal School. When grown he 
married and continued the occupation of farming. At present he owns a farm of 
208 acres, two and one-half miles west of Xovinger. He is a breeder of Jersey cattle 
and Duroc-Jersey hogs. 

He is a Republican, a member of the Pre.4)yterian church, and belongs to the 
K. of P. lodge. 



BlOfJKAPHICAL. 



997 




Harry Baloh'^ Store and Residence, Yoiin^stown 



998 



The History of Adair County. 




Residence, Family and Jiarns of Peter L. Miller, .5 miles southea^^l of (iibbs 



BlOCaiAl'HlCAL 



999 




Residence and Barn of Isaac Newton Capps, 2 1-2 n.iles west of Novinger 



1000 Thp: History of Adair County. 

WILLIAM DANIELSON, son of Andrew and Hettie I\L (Johnson) Danielson, 
was born in Lee County, Iowa, November 15, LSr)5. He was married November 30, 
1899, to Amanda Abernathy, daughter of Hugh and Jane (Lay) Abernathy. They 
had one child. It died in infancy. 

Mr. Danielson came to Adair Comity in 18.37 with his parents, settling on the 
farm where his mother now lives, which adjoins his farm on the south. He Uved at 
home till his marriage, then began working for himself. He has been engaged in 
farming and horsebreeding all his life. Aside from that he is a veterinary and docs 
consid(>rable work in that line. At present he owns a farm of 200 acres, seven miles 
southwest of Novinger. He is a beeder of Short-Horn cattle, Percheron and good 
road horses, pure-bred jacks and jennets, Poland-China hogs, and thoroughlM-cd 
barred Plymouth Rock chickens which rank third in the state. 

Andrew Danielson, father of William Danielson, died July 5, 1909. His motlier 
is still living. They had ten children, six of whom are living in this county. Mr. 
Danielson is a member of the L O. O. F. fraternity. His youngest sister, Tilda, re- 
sides at Oakley, Kansas. The oldest, Alalinda, resides near Queen City, Missouri, 
and Sarah C. resides near Humansville, Polk County, Mi.ssouri. 

WILLIAM KIDDOO, a native of Pennsylvania, was born July 26, 1841, being 
a son of Richard and Eliza Kiddoo. He was married December 29, 1864, to Mary A. 
Edgar, daughter of R. S. and Elizabeth Edgar. They have nine children: H. G., 
born November 17, 1865; M. M., October 31, 1870; N. B., September 6, 1875; 
Nora B., October 15, 1877; M. V., September 6, 1880; R. S., May 14, 1883; E. E., 
August 23, 1885; W. A., February 25, 1887; B. F., August 14, 1888. 

Mr. Kiddoo moved to .\dair County, Missouri, in March, 1904, and has lived 
here continuously since. He owns 320 acres of land situated in Pettis and Wilson 
townships. 

He is a Republican in politics and a member of the M(>thodist church. 

JOHN W. DAVIDSON was born in Cass County, Illinois, November 11, 1858, 
being a son of John and Jane Davidson. He was married April 1, 1883, to Susan 
C. Crawford, daughter of John and Mary Crawford. They have four children: 
Dale, born July 6, 1885; Virgie, November 21, 1889, now wife of Charles Spencer; 
James, November 7, 1891; Blanche, November 26, 1895. 

Mr. Davidson's ])arents died when he was quite small and he lived in Illinois 
with his relatives till about grown. He then came to Adair County, Missouri, com- 
ing here in 1869, where he has since lived, with the exception of one year spent in 
Iowa. He has always been engaged in farming and at present owns a splendid farm 
of 260 acres, three miles soutliwest of Gibbs. He does general farming and stock 
rai.sing. He is an up-to-date, scientific farmer, and has a beautiful home. 

Mr. Davidson is a Democrat in politics, a member of the I. O. (). F. lodge, and 
he and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. 

ELIJAH W. DOOLEY, son of John and .\ancy .V. Dooley, was born Septem- 
ber 13, 1871, in Carlisle, Iowa. He was born and reared on a farm, where he re- 
mained till 1903, when he came to Missouri, settling in Schuyler County. In 1906 
he came to Missouri and has lived here continuously since that time. He is en- 
gaged in the well-boring business. 

Mr. Dooley was married to Talitha Miller September 12, 1904. They have 
two children: John D., born May 1, 1905; and Charles C, July 19, 1907. 



Biographical. 



1001 




Residence, Family, Barn and Thoroughbred Horses of Wm. Danielson, 7 miles 
southwest of Novinger 



1002 



The History of Adair County. 




Resklcncr, Fninily :iii(l Tiiorou-ilihivd Hoisos of \\n\. Kiddoo, 2 1-2 miles 
northwest of La Plata 



BlOCHAI'lIICAI. 



1003 




Mr. and Mrs. John W. David.son and tiicir llcsidoncc '.i miles soutliwost 

of (j!il)l)s 



1004 The History of Adair ( Ounty. 

F. L. LINK, son of Lewis and Hannah M. (Crane) Link, was born in Carroll- 
ton, Illinois, August 17, 1854. In 1865 he came with his parents to Kirksville, Mis- 
soin-i. November 20, 1878, he was married to Mary L. Downing, daughter of John 
H. and Rebecca Ann (White) Downing, at Olney, Lincoln County, Missouri. They 
have five children: Charles F., Luella D., Samuel Edgar, Aima W, and Albert. A 
grandson, Ralph Link, also has a home with them. 

Mr. Link has never asj)ired to a political office, but has been a member of the 
Board of Directors of Kirksville School District almost continuously since 1892, and 
has served as President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Board. At present he holds 
the position of Secretary. 

He learned the printer's trade in the Kirksville Journal ofl^ce, beginning at the 
age of thirteen, and has filled every position from '"devil" to manager. He was part 
owner of the Journal with B. F. Heiny and S. S. McLaughlin. Later he and W. F. 
Link bought the plant. When the Journal Printing Company- was incorporated he 
was made Secretary and Manager, which position he still holds. Much credit is 
due to Mr. Link and the board of directors which has unhesitatingly backed him, 
for the building up of one of the best printing plants in North Missouri. 

He awns a good residence situated on five acres just south of the city limits. 

THE JOURNAL PRINTING COMPANY was incori)orated in April, 1897. 
This company purchased the Kirksville Journal plant for $4,500.00. B. F. Heiny, 
F. L. Link, A. N. Seaber, W. F. Link and T. J. Dockery were the first board of di- 
rectors. B. F. Heiny was elected president, and F. L. Link secretary and manager. 
These gentlemen still retain the offices to which they were originally elected, being 
unanimously chosen each year. The present board of directors are B. F. Heiny, 
F. L. Link, C. E. Still, J. A. Cooley, and Geo. M. Laughlin. The capital stock was 
increased to $10,000.00 in 1903, and again increased to $20,000.00 in 1910. The 
plant is one of the best equipped in North Missouri. Sixteen to eighteen i)eople 
are employed, and a great deal of book printing, etc., is done for customers at home 
anil in other states. While the capital stock has been quadrupled, they have never 
made an assessment, and have never missed a dividend. Besides other equipment, 
the plant has Miehle and Cottrell book pre.sses and a Lanston Monotype type-setting 
and casting machine. All machines are run by Sprague individual electric motors. 

CHARLES FRANCIS LINK was born in Kirksville, Missouri, July 7, 1880, 
and is a son of F. L. and Mary L. (Downing) Link. He attended the public schools 
until about fourteen years of age, when he began learning the printer's trade under 
his father. With the exception of two years, spent in the State Normal School, 
he has worked at that trade continuously, and is now foreman of the press-room of 
the Journal Printing Companj-, having charge of the electrical, printing and type- 
setting machinery. Mr. Link is a Republican in politics, an elder in the Presby- 
terian chiu'ch and a Past Chancellor in the K. of P. lodge. He owns a nice home 
.just soutli of the city limits, and stock in the Journal Printing Company. 

Mr. Link was married June 1, 1904, to Lela Belle Tummond, a daughter of 
Harry and Margaret (Lichty) Tummond. They have three children: Robert 
Lewis, born August 6, 1906; .\nna Margaret, Jamiary 22, 1910; and Charles Fran- 
cis, Jr., March 2, 1911. 



Biographical. 



1005 




1006 



The History of Adair County. 




Journal Printing; Company - Upper, Bindery and Stock Room. 
Lower, A Corner of th(> Composing l^oom 



BuXiHAl'HK'AL. 



1007 




Journal Printing Company — A V'ievv in the Press Room. 
Gas Engine and 8 3-4 K. W. Generator. 



1008 



The History of Adair County. 




Kes^idence of Charles F. Link, Kirksville 




O. W. Avery, M. D., deceased 



Biographical. 1009 

DR. O. W. AVERY (deceased), was born in Union County, Ohio, lY'bruary 
22, ISoO, l)eing a son of Aaron F. and Elizabeth (Haskins) Avery. He was mar- 
ried May 2, ISGl, to Sarah C. Willey, dauslit<n- of Samuel and Elouisa (Pool) Willey. 
Slie was born in Delaware County, Ohio, February IS, 1S41. They had no ehildren. 

Dr. Avery was born in Ohio, attended the publie school, read medicine and 
graduated from the Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati, receiving his di))loma in 
1850. He practiced his profession in Ohio about two years, then moved to Keokuk 
County, Iowa. At the beginning of the war he entered the army there, joining Com- 
pany I, 40th Iowa Volunteer Infantry. At the close of the war he came to Mis- 
souri and located at Queen City, where he practiced till 18S7. He then came to 
Kirksvilk\ where he practiced his profession till his death, September 25, 1909. He 
owned a farm of 120 acres in South Missouri, which still belongs to Mrs. Avery.. 
Mrs. Avery also owns a nice home in l\irksville. 

Dr. Avery was a member of (he Masonic and K. of P. lodges. His widow be- 
longs to the Christian church. 

EDWIN S. RINEHART was born in Knox County, Missouri, September 3, 
1864, being a son of Enoch and Martha C. Rinehart. He was married January 
27, 1904, to Mary L. Rice, daughter of Columbus T. and Catherine Rice. They 
have no children. Mrs. Rinehart is a native of Adair County, and is a member 
of one of the old pioneer families. 

Mr. Rinehart was born and reared on a farm in Knox County. He remained 
there on the farm till about grown, attended the public schools and Oak Lawn Col- 
lege, at Novelty, Missouri. He also took a two years' course at the Kansas State 
Agricultural College, at Manhattan. Soon after quitting school he went into the 
electrical construction business, and helped to build the telegraph line along the 
Santa Fe railway from Kansas City to Chicago. In 18S9 he came to Kirks\'ille, 
and soon after opened up an electrical supply house. In 1901 he added phono- 
graphs to his supplies. Then, in 1907, he quit the electrical business and went into 
the piano business, in which he is still engaged. He owns a complete line of all sorts 
of musical instruments, as well as sheet music, and has excellent tratle. 

Mr. Rinehart is a Republican in politics, and belongs to Kirksville Lodge, No. 
105, A. F. and A. M., belonging to the Chapter, and is also a member of the K. of 
P. and Elks lodges. Mrs. Rinehart is a member of the MethodLst church. 

FRANK T. PARISH came to Adair County with his parents when a small 
boy. He was born in Macon Countj^ Missouri, June 14, 1867, a son of John R. 
and Samantha Parish. He was married February 22, 1895, to Jennie Miller, daugh- 
ter of John and Elizabeth Miller. They have no children. Mr. Parish had three 
children by a former marriage: Lena, who died June 3, 1894; William E., born ]May 
18, 1890; James F., January 9, 1892; Maude M., October 12, 1893. 

He followed farming till 1901, then came to Kirksville. He was aj^pointed 
deputy sheriff under C. N. Roberts. He served with him three years, then went 
into the insurance business, which he has continued since. He served as deputy sher- 
iff under Jolm T. Curry, and later was appointed constable of Benton township to 
succeed L. P. Carman, who resigned. In December, 1910, he was again appointed 
to succeed James Haywood, who also resigned. 

Mr. Parish belongs to the M. W . A. lodge. He is deputy consul for that order, 
and spends much of his time working for that lodge, being the agent for the Wood- 
men Accident Association. 




w 




Biographical. 1011 

THOMAS S. RICE was born on a I'aiin near OM Panlvillc. Wlicn about a 
year old his par(>nts moved to Knox County, remaining there till Mr. Rice was four- 
teen years old, when they returned to Adair County. He attended the Brashear 
Academy, and Normal School at Kirksville. After leaving school he taught .sev- 
eral years. For a time he traveled. Coming to Kirksville in 1897, he lived here 
a short time, then went to Oklahoma. In 1902 he returned and has since lived in 
Adair County. On February 18, 1911, Mr. Rice was appointed city collector of 
Kirksville, then elected to that position in the spring election. 

Mr. Rice was born in Adair Covmty P"'ebruary 26, 1867, being a son of Samuel 
and Margaret (Sampson) Rice. He was married November 21, 1897, to Alice Wat- 
son, daughter of David and Jerusha (Pierce) Watson. She was born in McDonough 
County, Illinois, in 1878. They have two children: Earl, born January 30, 1901; 
Howard, February 7, 190.3. 

Thomas S. Rice is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Ejiiscopal church 
and belongs to the I. O. O. F. fraternity. 

JOHN D. MILLER, deceased, was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, Septem- 
ber 18, 1837. He was married August 12, 1867, to Louisa Schuele. They had six 
children, two of whom died in infancy: George R., born October 20, 1868, lives at 
Connelsville; Catherine A., November 4, 1870, now Mrs. S. F. Shoop; M. C, Decem- 
ber 19, 1873; Ida L., April 7, 1878. 

Mr. Miller came down the Ohio River in a iiat boat to Mis.souri in 1844 with his 
father, settling first in Shelby County. He moved to Adair County in 1850, going 
to Nineveh where a Dutch colony had just been started. Here his father died in 
1853. Mr. Miller returned to Shelby Comity, remaining there till 1860, when he 
went to Oregon, going around by Panama. He remained there till 1869, freighting 
and gold digging, then came back to Connelsville by the same route. He conducted 
a tavern and was in the mercantile business some years. His partner in the mer- 
cantile business was S. F. Stahl, then a young man. Their establishment was de- 
stroyed by fire in 1874 and Mr. Stahl then went to Shibley's Point, Mr. Miller going 
to work on a farm. He continued in that occupation till his death, August 7, 1906, 
making a trip to Texas in the meantime, where he spent two year.s. 

MANTON M. PATTERSON was born in Logan County, Illinois, September 
17, 1868, being a son of Milton and Jane Patterson. He was married November 
10, 1899, to Rebecca Ely, daughter of Stephen S. and Jane Ely. They have no chil- 
dren. ]\Irs. Patterson is a native of Adair County, belonging to one of the old pio- 
neer families. 

Mr. Patterson was born in Illinois, but moved to Knox County, Missouri, when 
only about six years old. About a year later they moved to Macon County, Mis- 
souri, where Mr. Patterson was reared. When only about fourteen years old his 
father died and he was compelled to make his own way. He entered a photograph 
gallery at Macon City, where he learned the photograph business. He has been 
engaged in that business continuously since that time. He has worked and been 
in business at various places, including Macon, Memphis, Iowa City, Iowa, and 
St. Louis, Missouri. He was also with Henry Moore, at Kirksville, two years. Fi- 
nally, in July, 1910, he returned to Kirksville and opened up a gallery, being still 
engaged in that business. He is considered a gifted artist and an excellent pho- 
tographer. 

Mr. Patterson is a Republican in politics, a member of the M. W. A. fraternity 
and belongs to the Presbyterian church. 



1012 



The History of Adair County. 




Mrs. iMiiulio Leon 



Hl()(iKAl'HK'AL. 1013 

DR. CHARLES E. STILL was born at Coiitropolis, Kansas, January 7, 1S()5, 
and is a son of Dr. Andrew T. and Mary E. (Turner) Still. He was married June 
80, 1892, to Anna Ryder, daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth Ryder. Tliey had five 
children, three of whom are livinfi,: Harold, born March 11, 1S93, died December 
24, 1893; Gladys, December 10, 1894; Andrew T., September 10, 1S97, died De- 
cember 3, 1905; Elizabeth, November 1, 1899; Ciuirles 1*:., Jr., .March 2t), 1907. 

Dr. Still came to Adair County with his parents wlieii nine years old and has 
lived here almost continiously since. He attended the public schools, fi;raduating 
from the Kirksville Hip;h School. He also took a course at the Kirksville Business 
College. After tjuitting school he went to work in the ofTicc> of the Kirksville Jour- 
nal, learning the printer's trade. After working at his trade a few >cars he studied 
Osteopathy with his father, Dr. A. T. Still, and was the prime mover in the organ- 
ization of the A. S. O., an account of which is given in the historical part of this work. 
On the organization of the school he took a complete cour.se in it and was mad(^ vice- 
president and general manager, which position he has held continuously since. The 
great success and world-wide fame of this institution has been due in a large mea.s- 
ure to his efforts. 

Besides the school. Dr. Still is interested in a large number of business enter- 
prises. He owns a sanitarium in the Ozarks and one at Bentonville, Arkansas, Dr. 
Earl Laughlin being at present the manager of the latter institution. Dr. Still is 
also a large stockholder in the International Life Insurance Company, at St. Louis. 
Besides these, he and Dr. George M. Laughlin are among the most famous stock 
breeders in the world. They are the owners of the famous Kinloch herd of Jersey 
cattle and Berkshire hogs. A sketch of these famous herds is given elsewhere in 
this historj'. Dr. Still owns 350 acres of land adjoining the city of Kirksville on 
the west, on which are located some of the most productive coal mines in the country. 
He and Dr. Laughlin also own 450 acres of land adjoining Kirksville on the east. 
These two farms are used by them for the handling of their cattle and hogs. 

Dr. Still is a Republican in politics, a member of the Masonic, K. of P. and 
Elks lodges. 

LEWIS HUGHES, a native of Wayne County, Kentucky, was born Decem- 
ber 7, ISUtj, being a son of Oliver and Emaline Hughes. He was married October 
26, 1904, to Rosa Houston, daughter of John and Anna Houston. They have two 
children: Walter, five years of age; and Gordon, age two. Mr. Hughes has two 
children by a former marriage: Edwartl, age twenty-two; and Boone, age twen- 
ty-one. 

Mr. Hughes moved to Macon, Missouri, with his parents, when he was two 
years old. He was reared on a farm in that county, living with his parents till twenty 
years old. He worked for the railroad a few years, and was also in the mining bus- 
iness for a time. Coming to Adair County in 1898, he settled at Novinger, Mis- 
souri, where he worked in the mines. 

Mr. Hughes is a Republican in politics. In 1902 he was elected marshal of 
Novinger, serving four years. He has acted as deputy sheriff there for the past 
nine years. He was elected constable of Nineveh township in 1909, and is still serv- 
ing in that capacity, and also as deputy sheriff. While at Macon he served on the 
police force, and was also deputy sherifT of that county several years. He is a mem- 
ber of the K. of P., I. O. O. F. and Redmen lodges. 



1014 



The History of Adair County. 




A. T. Still, M. D., I). ()., Kirk.svilk' 



15l()(;UAl'lll("AL. 



1015 




C. E. .Still, D. O., Kirksville 



1016 The History of Adair County. 

DR. HARRY M. STILL was born at Baldwin, Kansas, May 26, 1867, and is . 
a son of Dr. Andrew T. and Mary E. Still. He was married October 7, 1891, to 
Nannie Miller, daughter of Lighter and Fannie Miller. Mrs. Miller's name was 
Scott, who was a descendant of General Winfield Scott. They have two children: 
Fred M., born July 25, 1898; Richard H., November 25, 1903. Mrs. Still was born 
at Lexington, Kentucky, July 28, 1867. 

Dr. Still came to Kirksville with his parents when only about eight years old. 
He attended the public school and took a course at the Kirksville Business College. 
After (luitting school he clerked in a store several years for John Hannah. He then 
took up the study of Osteopathy with his father. After completing his studies in 
this science he began to practice at Hannibal, Missouri. He also practiced at Kan- 
sas City, Missouri, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Chicago, Illinois, New York City, St. 
Louis, Missouri. He continued the practice till 1907, when he was compelled to 
give it up on account of ill health. He then returned to Kirksville where he has 
since lived. Since coming here he has become interested in a large number of busi- 
ness enterprises. He has dealt largely in real estate, is director and stockholder 
in the Star Coal Comjjany, the Kirksville Power, Electric Light and Ice Company. 
He is also president of the Citizens National Bank, owns stock in the Journal Print- 
ing Company and the A. S. O., helping to organize the latter institution. Dr. Still 
owns 2,000 acres of land in Adair County, as well as large farms in Iowa, Texas, 
Kansas, Oklahoma and other states. 

He is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to the Chapter, Comnuuidery 
and Shrine. He is also a member of the Elks lodge and is a Republican in politics. 

ED. J. HUTCHINS, a native of Kansas, was born March 20, 1879. He is a 
son of E. C. and Margaret Hutchins. He was married to Ama Ilalley March Ki, 
1901. Mrs. Hutchins is a daughter of Don and Helen Halley. They have three 
children. 

Mr. Hutchins moved to Green City, Missouri, witli his i)arents when small, 
and lived there one year. They then moved to Greencastle, Missouri, remaining 
four years. From there he moved to Stahl, Adair County, in 1884. There he fol- 
lowed the mining business, later moving to Connelsville, where he now resides. He 
has lived in a mining district and followed mining continuously since coming here 
in 1884. He is an ardent Socialist in politics. 

GEORGE B. HEABERLIN was born eight miles southeast of Kirksville, Adair 
County, Missouri, January 12, 1862, being a son of John G. and Catherine C. Heab- 
erlin. He was marrietl February 13, 1883, to Martha E. Minton, daughter of Cal- 
vin L. and Sarah Minton. They have ten children: Everette E., born November 
29, 1883; Leonard L., August 15, 1887; Eunice Z., October 21, 1887; Claude V., 
June 1, 1889; Freeman, September 13, 1891; Rosy M., February 11, 1895; Ben- 
jamin F., February 27, 1897; John C, \\m\ 13, 1899; Augu.sta E., March 20, 1901; 
Theodore, January 20, 1906. 

Mr. Heaberlin is a miner by trade. He owns a nice home southeast of the cor- 
porate limits of Kirksville, where he resides. He is a musician and was formerly 
director of the band at Kirksville. His children are all musicians, and they have an 
excellent orchestra, made up of members of the family. In politics he is a Socialist. 
He is a mcnilxT of tiie I'nited .Mine Workers of America. 



BlO(atAPHICAL. 



1017 





*• ■', ■ >j»>'^'- 



Dr. H. M. Still, Kirksville 



1018 The History of Adair County. 

JOHN M. RAINWATER was born in Keokuk County, Iowa, February 3, 
1858, being a son of John R. and Rachael A. (La Porte) Rainwater. He was mar- 
ried May 1, 1881, to Mary C. Shulze, a native of McDonough County, Illinois, born 
there June 9, 1857. Mrs. Rainwater was a daughter of John W. and Barbara Shulze. 
They had three ehildren, only one of whom is now living: Jesse W., born May 23, 
1883, diefi February 3, 1908; next child died in infancy; Ray M., April 10, 1894. 

Moving from Iowa to Kansas in 1860, Mr. Rainwater's parents lived there seven 
yeart^, lived in Illinois two years, then went back to Iowa, remaining one year. In 
1867 they came to Lewis County, Missouri, coming to Adair County in 1881. Mr. 
J. M. Rainwater then married and moved to Illinois, where he lived and farmed in 
McDonough County till 1898, when he came back to Adair County, Mis.souri. He 
then bought his present farm where he has since lived. The farm consists of 120 
acres, two miles east of Kirksville. He also owns a farm in the northwest part of 
the county, consistsing of 176 acres, making a total of 296 acres which he owns. He 
handles thoroughbred Jersey cattle, doing a milk and cream business as well as gen- 
eral farming. 

Mr. Rainwater is a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian church, and be- 
longs to the M. W. A. lodge. 

MICHAEL G. CLEM was born in Hocking County, Ohio, October 22, 1813. 
He lived there till 1841, when he came to Adair County, Missouri. He settled on 
a farm near Kirksville, and for many years ran a mill on the Chariton. In 1885 
he moved to Kirksville, where he lived till his death, P'ebruary 23, 1906. He was 
married in 1838 to Ellen Pullens. She was also born in Hocking County, Ohio, 
March 31, 1820. She is still living, and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. 
Julia Atterberry. Mr. and Mrs. Clem had seven children, four of whom are liv- 
ing: Mary J. Ely; Mrs. Margaret and Mrs. Julia Atterberry; Mrs. Emma Bragg. 
Mrs. Bragg lives near La Plata, in this county, and the other three live in Kirks\ill<>. 

In Mrs. Clem's family there are two lines of five generations: Mrs. Clem; her 
daughter, Mrs. Ely; her daughter, Mrs. Alfred West; her daughter, Mrs. Charles 
Glasgow; her daughter. Miss Margaret Glasgow. Mrs. Clem; her daughter, Mrs. 
Ely; her son, John Ely; his son, Charles Ely, and his son, Harold Ely. 

I. H. HUMPHREY, the present editor of The Kirksville Democrat, is a news- 
paper man with metropolitan training. He served the New York Herald for many 
years as their City of Mexico correspondent, covering a territory which embraceil 
old Mexico and the five republics of Central America. While in Mexico City he 
served on the staff of the Mexican Herald, of which paper he was news editor when 
he retired from Latin-American work, and spent some months on the staflf of El 
Imparcial, the greatest S])anish daily of North America. 

MICHAEL HOWLEY was born November 10, 1826. He was a native of Ire- 
land. He came to American in 1845, landing in New York City with only twenty- 
five cents. Working his way west he landed in Adair County in 1848, and worked 
in a farm for a short time. Later he entered land, on which he lived till his deatii. 
His widow and son Andrew, still live on the same farm. It consists of 200 acres, 
and has never changed hands. Mr. Howley died November 12, 1887. He served 
on the Home Gunnl all <huiiig tlie war. David Howley, another son, died Ajnil 
25, 1911. 

Mr. Howley was united in marriage to Margaret Hall January 12, 1859. They 
had nine children, only two of whom are living: Andrew J., and Lucy. 



Biographical. 



1019 




Residence of J. Al. Rainwater, 2 miles east of Kirksville 



r 







Five Generations — Mrs. Ellen Clem, her daughter, Mrs. Margaret Ely; her 

daughter, Mrs. Alfred West; her daughter, Mrs. Charles Glasgow; 

her daughter, Miss Margaret Glasgow 



1020 The History of Adair County. 

DR. GEORGE D. GREENSLATE was born in Greenup County, Kentucky, 
July 14, IS-U), being a son of .Silas ami Elizabeth Greenslate. He was marrietl De- 
cember 18, 1871, to Loreva Erwin. They had five children, four of whom are liv- 
ing: Jennie, born September 14, 1872; S. V., October 26, 1874; Ehzabeth, Jan- 
uary 26, 1878, now wife of J. M. Frederick; Oren, May 29, 1880, died May 19, 1905; 
Ray, October 24, 1889. 

Dr. Greenslate came to Adair County, Missouri, with his parents in 1855, set- 
tling near Trinity school house, in the north part of the county, where his father en- 
tered land. His parents moved to Schuyler County and lived there till their death, 
the father dying in. 1879 and the mother in 1905, at the age of ninety-four. Dr. 
Greenslate was reared on a farm, attended the i)ublic schools and then read medi- 
cine for a few years with a preceptor. He attended the Keokuk Medical College, 
at Keokuk, Iowa, graduating in 1876. He then entered the practice of his profes- 
sion at \MllmathviIIe, remaining at that place till his death, July 12, 1911. Soon 
after beginning his practice he took a course in a medical college at Joplin, Mis- 
souri. He was, perhaps, the best known physician in the county, and at the time of 
his death, had been the longest in active practice. Soon after going to Willmath- 
ville he opened up a drug store, in connection with his practice, which he conducted 
till 1903. He then bought out a general store at that place, his daughter, Miss Jen- 
nie, and son, Silas V., becoming his partners in that business, and the latter was made 
manager. Since his death Miss Jennie and Silas V. have taken entire charge of the 
store. 

Dr. Greenslate was a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge. 

SILAS V. GREENSLATE, a native of Adair County, was born near Will- 
mat hville, October 26, 1874. He was reared at Willmathville, attended the puhlir 
school and graduated at the Kirksville High School in 1894. He then taught school 
till 1903, attending the summer sessions at the Normal School, at Kirksville, foi a 
number of years. In 1903 he quit teaching and went into the mercantile business 
with his father at Willmathville, being made manager of the store. Since his fath- 
er's death he and his sister, Miss Jennie, have taken full charge of the business. The 
store was entirely destroyed by fire March 14, 1909, including all the contents. A 
new building was soon erected and the business continued. One of the largest coun- 
try stores in the county is the one Mr. Greenslate conducts. Miss Jennie, who 
helps to manage the business, also graduated at the Kirksville High School and took 
a brief course at the State Normal School, aft(M- which she engaged in teaching for 
several years. 

Mr. Greenslate was married March 8, 1903, to Stella Callisoii, daugiiter of 
Daniel Callison. They have one child— Edith, born May 26, 190t). 

JAMES B. HIBBARD, .son of William and Susan J. (Rogers) Hibbard, was 
born January 25, 1855, in Adair County, three and one-half miles southeast of Kirks- 
ville. He was married September 18, 1889, to Laura Dodson, daughter of Benja- 
min C. and Maggie (Linder) Dodson. They had three children: Hazel M., born 
September 29, 1892; Audrey D., July 10, 1908; one child, a boy, born June 20, 
1891, died in infancy. 

Mr. Hibbard lived on the old Hibbard hom(\stead, land entered by his father, 
till grown and married. He has been farming all his life, and lived here all the time, 
e.xcept a few trijis west and southwest. At present he owns a farm of eighty acres, 
four miles south(>ast of Kirksville, on which he lives. He is a Democrat in jjolitics. 



BuXiHAPHICAL. 



1021 




Dr. George D. Greenslate, deceased, Willmatliville 



1022 The History of Adair County. 

DANIEL D. NOVINGER was born and grow to manhood on the farm now 
owned by his brother, S. A. Novinger. He farmed till twenty-eight years old, then 
went into the mercantile business at Novinger, where he remained five years. He then 
returned to farming and bought his present farm where he has since lived. Ho now 
owns a farm of 540 acres, five miles southwest of Novinger. He is a breeder of Po- 
land-China hogs, Duroc-Jersey hogs, fine cattle, horses, etc. His farm is under- 
laid with four feet of coal, gas is known to be present, and probably oil. 

Mr. Novinger was born February 20, 1853, a son of Isaac and Christina (Shoop) 
Novinger. He was married May 18, 1882, to Elnora J. Bozarth, daughter of Mil- 
ton J. and Lucy J. (Spivey) Bozarth. They have four children: Charles A., born 
February 13, 1883; Earl D., and Carl S., twins, born January 15, 1886; Isaac M., 
December 30, 1889. Charles A. and Isaac are married, but the others are single 
and at home. Mrs. Novinger was born in Adair County, on the farm where she now 
lives, March 9, 1857. Mr. Bozarth is not living and Mrs. Bozarth makes her home 
with Mrs. Novinger. 

GEORGE W. VANLANINGHAM was born February 12, 1828, in Harrison 
County, Indiana. He was married January 24, 1851, to Sarah S. Blakeley. They 
had eleven children, six of whom are living: John W.; Emma h., now Mrs Levi 
Phipps; George L.; J. G.; Kittie M., now Mrs. Edward Lininger; Thomas M. 

Mr. Vanlaningham came to Adair County, Missouri, in 1855, where he lived and 
farmed near Novinger till his death, January 15, 1907. Mrs. Vanlaningham died 
February 21, 1907. Mr. Vanlaningham was one of the oldest and best known men 
in Adair County. 

COLUMBUS T. RICE was born in Tompkins County, New York, Foljruary 
15, 1827. Ho attended the public schools until about seventeen years of ago, when 
he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for four or 
five years in Northern New York, then came to Chicago, Illinois. Returning lo 
New York, he was married to Catherine A. WycofT in 1854, shortly after returning 
to Chicago, where he followed the contracting and building occupation until the 
fall of 1857, when he moved with his famih' to Missouri, where he had previously 
entered 200 acres of land in Clay township, Adair County, where he continued to 
reside until January, 1896, when he moved to Kirksville, where he resided until his 
death, which occurred October 9, 1897 (his wife having previously died March 2, 
1896). They raised a family of seven children, three sons and four daughters, of 
which four are still living: Edward A. Rice, born in 1855, receiving his education 
at the public schools and State Normal at Kirksville, and a graduate of the A. S. 0., 
at present connected with the Post Office department at Kirksville; Charles Rice, 
born in 1863, receiving his education in the public schools of Adair County, and at 
present in the lumber business at Milan, Sullivan County, Missouri; Mary L., born 
in 1861, receiving her education in the i)ublic schools and State Normal at Kirk.s- 
ville, married to Edwin S. Rinehart in 1904, and now residing with her husband in 
Kirksville, Missouri; August A., born in 1866, receiving her education at the ))uhlic 
schools and State Normal, graduating from the State Normal in 1885, married to 
James E. Waddill in 1888. 

During the Civil War he voluntoorod, but was unable to jiass the examination, 
and then enlisted in the Home Guard and later in the County Militia and .served in 
this organization during the entire war, participating in the Battle of Kirksville, 
August 6, 1862. 



Biographical. 



1023 



2; 




1024 The History of Adaih County. 

THE WOODMEN DRILL TEAM, as shown by the accompanying cut, was 
organized in 1900, with Noah C. Lane as captain. It soon became one of the crack 
teams of the state and won numerous prizes in competitive drills, against some of 
the best teams in the country. At present John Williamson is caj^tain and Sam Stew- 
art, assistant. 

MRS. MARGARET ATTERBERRY was born in Adair County in 1845, be- 
ing a daughter of Michael G. and Ellen Clem. .She was married in 1872 to M. V. 
Atterberry. They had two children: Elmer and Anna Atterberry. Elmer died 
May 10, 1906. Mr. Atterberry was also a native of Adair County and was born 
in 1846, and died March 27, 1883. He followed the occupation of farming and owned 
a farm of 200 acres, fourteen miles southwest of Kirksville. Since his death his wid- 
ow and her daughter have made their home at KirksA'ille. 

Mr. Atterberry was a Republican in ]iolitics, belonged to the A. F. and A. M. 
fraternity, and was a member of the Methodist, church. 

WILLIAM A. ROSS came to Adair County with his parents when ten years 
old. He lived in the vicinity of Brashear and farmed till the death of his wife, April 
15, 1896. Since that time he has lived with his son, John Ross, five miles east of 
Kirksville. 

Mr. Ross was born in Athens Coimty, Ohio, September 4, 1855, being a son of 
John and Rilura Ross. He was married April 28, 1880, to Rosa Emmons, daugh- 
ter of Lewis E. Emmons. They had four children: Cora, now Mrs. James Sliep- 
herd; John; Ina, now Mrs. Albert Clemmons; Edward. 

JAMES C. CALHOUN was born in Lewis County, Missouri, April 14, 1867. 
His parents' names were David E. and Martha (Herr) Calhoun. He was married 
to Miss Anna Walker, a cousin of William J. Bryan, January 14, 1891. Mrs. Cal- 
houn's parents' names were Peter and Charlotte (Jennings) Walker. 

Born and reared on a farm, Mr. Calhoun lived there till 1890, when he went to 
Gorin and engaged in the harness business. In 1903 he came to Kirksville, where 
he dealt in real estate till 1909 when he went into the grocery business, in which lie is 
still engaged. 

In Mr. Calhoun's family there are six children: Lester, aged nineteen; Har- 
old, seventeen; Lottie, twelve; AHce, ten; Robert, seven, and Elizabeth, four. 

Mr. Calhoun is a Democrat in politics, a member of the Presbyterian church, 
and belongs to the I. O. O. F. and M. W. A. lodges. 

J. R. BURCHETT, whose home is at Connelsville, Missouri, was born in Des 
Moines County, Iowa, August 23, 1860. He is a son of Benjamin and Onda Bur- 
chett . He was united in marriage to Maggie Kimberly, a daughter of Ira and Mar- 
garet Kimberly, August 3, 1890. They have two children: Bruce, born December 
5, 1894; Jessie, September 10, 1897. 

Though born in Iowa, he came to Adair County, Missouri, when only nine months 
old and was reared in this county on a farm. When twelve years old he left the farm, 
worked at various occupations, finally entering the restaurant business at Connels- 
ville. This he sold recently, and has since given his entire time and attention to 
his feed and grist mill at Connelsville. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and M. W. 
A., and votes the Democratic ticket. 






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1026 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 1027 

HENRY CLAY WORMAN is a native oi' Illinois, lK)rii in Adams (bounty, of 
that state, October 22, 1S6S. He is an adopted son of John and Maria (liarger) 
Woi'man. He was married January 4, 18SS, to Mary E. Wilson, a daughter of A. 
G. and Caroline Wilson. They have one adopted son — Sena, born July 9, 1893. 

Mr. Wornian was reared on a farm in Illinois, where he remained with his pa- 
rents, working on the farm and attending the public school, until grown, lie then 
married and started in the farming business for himself, punihasing a farm near the 
old home place when* he lived until 1892. At that time he came to Adair Coimty, 
Mis.souri, and bought a farm twelve miles northeast of Kirksville, which he still 
owns, consisting of 120 acres, all well improved. He also owns another farm of 
si.xly acres, northeast of Kirksville. After following the occupation of farming till 
1898, he was elected county ti'easurer of Adair ('ounty, then moved to Kirksville, 
took charge of his office, and has since remained here. His term expires in 1912. 
He has a handsome residence in Kirksville, a cut of which is given herein. 

He is a Republican and has always taken a deep interest in public affairs. In 
1910 he was elected chairman of the County Central Committee, later made a mem- 
ber of the Congressional Committee. He and his wife both belong to the Methodist 
Episcopal church. 

G. E. DAVENPORT, a native of Missouri, was born September 16, 1881, being 
a son of Charles and Emma Davenport. He was married in 1902 to Gertrutle El- 
more, daughter of Thomas and Alice Elmore. They have two children: Dolores, 
born May 27, 1903; Harold, April 19, 1905. 

Mr. Davenport was educated in the public schools and Humphrey's College. 
He is a traveling salesman and is with Ferguson-McKinney Dry Goods Company, of 
St. Louis, Missouri. He came to Adair County in 1907. G. E. Davenport is a Re- 
publican in politics and a member of the Christian church. 

CLARANCE D. FERGUSON, son of M. L. and Mary Ferguson, was born in 
Buchanan County, Iowa, February 20, 1875. He was married to Ella M. Cornell 
November 16, 1904. She is a daughter of S. H. and Margaret Cornell. They have 
two children: Opal M., born August 22, 1905g Wayne D., born March 26, 1908. 

Mr. Ferguson came to Adair County with his parents from Iowa in 1888. He 
lived at home till grown, then married and began farming for himself. At present 
he owns a farm of 120 acres, two and one-half miles west of Adair, Clay township. 
He handles fine cattle, horses, etc. 

JOHN H. BARCLAY was born in Illinois on a farm, May 21, 1860, and re- 
mained there until he was twenty-three years of age. He is a son of Charles E. and 
Angeline Barclay. On December 21, 1880, he was married lo Sarah F. Kelley, a 
daughter of John and Mary J. Kelley. They have three children living, one dead: 
Lloyd E., born October 3, 1881; George E., May 28, 1884; James H., July 18, 1888, 
died July 25, 1889; Leroy, January 17, 1894. 

In 1883 he went from Illinois to Kansas, where he remained three years, then 
lived in Illinois until 1891, when he moved to Adair County, Missouri. He lived 
at Millard for a time, and bought his present farm of eighty acres, where he now re- 
sides, in 1900. In 1905 he was appointed rural mail carrier for Route One, out of 
Willmathsville, and still carries on that route, in addition to conducting his farm. 
He is a member of the Christian church, the M. W. A. lodge, and votes the Dem- 
ocratic ticket. 



1028 



The History of Adair County 




H. C. Wornian, Count v 'rrciusuicr 



BlOGUAI'HK'AL. 



1029 



^ 




1030 The History of Adair County. 

GEORGE TUTTLE is a native of Adair County, born on a farm ten miles 
east of Kirksville, January 30, 1873. He is a son of Daniel and Sarah (Hill) Tuttle, 
both of whom are dead. He was married January 19, 1893, to Dora Martin, a dau^jh- 
ter of James and Mattie Martin. To this union have been born seven children, all 
of whom are living: Golda, born July 26, 1883; Daniel, November 10, 1895; Gladys, 
January 2, 1898; James, May 22, 1901; Lenna, July 11, 1904; Inis iiiid Iris, twins, 
November 3, 190(5. 

Mr. Tuttle spent his early life on the farm on which he was born, remained 
there with his parents until grown, attending the public schools of that neighbor- 
hood. When only seventeen years old he began business for him.self, farming and 
shipping stock, and followed that business continuously fifteen years. In 1900 he 
was elected recorder of deeds of Adair County, and quitting the farm, moved to Kirks- 
ville, where he remained till his term of office expired. He then moved to Brashear 
to assist in the management of the bank of which he is president, also devoting nuioh 
time to his farm and stock interests. 

Mr. Tuttle is interested in various enterprises, owning three tracts of land in 
this county, aggregating 560 acres, with first-class, modern improvements. In 1907 
he assisted in organizing the Brashear Banking Company, of Brashear, and was 
made president of that institution, a position which he still holds. He is a Reinib- 
lican and has always taken a very active part in politics. He is an ( )dd Fellow, and 
a devoted member of the Christian church. 

LESLIE B. SIPPLE was born in Callaway County, Missouri, September 19, 
1880, being a son of Lewis H. and Anna R. Sip]jle. He was married April 27, 1904, 
to Jessie G. Maxwell, daughter of William Q. and Elizabeth (Williams) Maxwell. 
They have one child— L. Max, born May 5, 1909. 

Mr. Sipplc moved to Audrain County, Missouri, with his i)arents, and was reared 
there on a farm and in the town of Rush Hill. He was educated in the public schools, 
the Rush Hill High School and the State Normal School at Kirksville, Missouri, 
graduating from the latter institution in 1911. In the meantime he engaged in 
teaching in rural schools, and in the city schools of Kirksville, and in 1907 was aj)- 
pointed County Superintendent of Schools of Adair County, Missouri, to succeed 
Mr. W. J. Banning. He was re-elected in 1909 and again in 191.1. He is a Demo- 
crat, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the M. W. A. 
and Masonic lodges. 

LEWLS SCHILLIE, a native of Adair County, was born near Novinger, Mi.s- 
souri, December 3, 1868. He is a son of Ludwig and Mary A. Schillie. He was 
married to Miss Alice Eitel, March 3, 1897. Mrs. Schillie is a daughter of Chris- 
topher and Catherine Eitel, and was born Sej)! ember 9, 1876. They have four chil- 
dren living and two dead: Bes.sic, born December 18, 1897; Mary, April 13, 1899; 
Leotia D., November 1, 1901; Rosa E., February 27, 1904; Clarence, December 
19, 1905, died October 29, 1908; one son, born September 9, 1907, died in infancy. 

Mr. Schillie has followed the occupation of farming all his life. At present he 
owns a farm of eighty acres, two miles southeast of Pure Air. He is a breeder of 
Pcrcheron horses, good cattle and hogs. 

Mr. Schillie is a Catholic, and Mrs. Schillie beloTigs to the Methodist churcli. 
He is a Democrat in politics. 



Biographical. 



1031 




(leo. Tuitle, Bi-ashear, foriiu'rly County liccr.nlpr 



1082 Thp: History of Adair County, 




L. B. Sipplo, County Suiicrinterulont c.f Schools, Kirksvillc 



IJlOGHAl'HK'AL. 



1038 




Residence and Family of Lewis Schillic, 2 miles southwest of Pure Air 




Residence of J. W. Caief, near Gibbs; formerly old CUbbs' Homestead 



1034 The History of Adair County. 

JOHN W. CALEF, son of Albert A. and Minerve {tSpencer) Calef, was born in 
Hancock County, Illinois, February 4, 1855. He was married November 1, 1877, 
to Fannie Cloyd, daughter of Joseph and Mary A. (ChumlejO Cloyd. They have 
six children: Mary E., born September 19, 1878, now Mrs. W. E. Shouse; Wil- 
liam E., January 11, 1880, was married September 10, 1902, to Ollie F. Swan; Ida 
E., February 7, 1883, now Mrs. A. L. Coons; Elizabeth ()., August 4, 1884, now Mrs. 
T. M. Rimer; Addio P., January 6, 1887, now Mrs. Chester Chadwell; Inez P., Feb- 
ruary 2, 189G. 

Mr. Calef moved to Knox County, Missouri, with his parents in 186t3; to Adair 
County the following year. He lived on the farm till twenty-three years old, then 
married and moved to Knox County, where he lived and farmed till 1907. He then 
bought part of a farm adjoining the town of Gibbs, which he now owns and on which 
he now lives. The farm consists of 240 acres, and is considered one of the finest in 
the county. 

RICHARD T. PHIPPS was born and reared on a farm in Handolj^h County, 
Missouri, where he lived till his early manhood. He then went into the livery busi- 
ness at Bevier, Macon County, Missouri, remaining there two years. He t .en went 
to Randolph County, coming from there to Adair County, going to Novinger in 1901. 
He is in the livery business there, and has always engaged in that work. 

Mr. Phipps was born August 31, 1866, a son of Joshua R. and Jane Phipps. 
He was married October 21, 1891, to Miss Davis, daughter of James and Susan Davis. 
They have five children: Goldie A., born September 4, 1892; Corrine F., December 
28, 1895; Teha N., January, 1899; Sidney T., October 21. 1900; Herbert R., Oc- 
tober 3, 1903. 

He is a Democrat and a member of the K. of P. lodge. 

JUDGE JOSEPH S. HICKMAN was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, Feb- 
ruary 4, 1841, being a son of Isaac and Mary (Allen) Hickman. He was married 
February 18, 1870, to Nellie Shepherd, daughter of Charles and Martha Shepherd. 
Mrs. Hickman was born in Virginia May 31, 1860. They had six children, five of 
whom are living: Cora; Charles F. and Mattie, twins; Lillian, and Lula. One 
child died in infancy. 

Judge Hickman came to Adair County, Missouri, with his parents, when only 
ten years old, settling in Shut Eye Valley, Nineveh township, near where he n(<\v 
lives. When grown he began farming for himself, and for several years clerked in 
Henry Shibley's stoi-e at Shibley's Point. For six years he taught school, fanning 
during the summer. In fact, he has always been a farmer. At present he owns a 
farm of eighty acres, two miles east of Shibley's Point, also 140 acres adjoining Shib- 
ley's Point. They had a very fine home which was estroyed by fire May 26, 1910, 
including all its contents, among wliicii were many papers of historic value. 

For two terms Judge Hickman served as County Judge of the First District, 
from 1895 to 1899, also four years as Presiding Judge, from 1899 to 1901. He and 
Judge Ditmars and Judge Newton being the only men who servcnl eight years as 
members of the Coimty Court. Mr. Hickman was a memb(>r of the court during 
the time of the building of the court house, and it was largely through his efforts 
that the present court house was erected. He was clerk of his towTishij) from 187.') 
to 1877, while under lownshi]) organization. He and liis family are members of the 
Presbyterian church. 



RlO(iUAPHICAL. 



1085 




1036 



The History of Adair. County. 




Jud{:e J. S. Hickmai:, formerly Jud^c (.1' County Court 



Bi()(;i;ai'III('AL 



1037 




1038 



The History of Adair County 




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Biographical. 1039 

APOLLO BRIGADE, No. 12, Uniform Kaiik of Kiiif-hts of Pylliius, w;is first 
orfjiinizod in ISSO, hut tlio hy-huvs wore not finally approved till 1S92. K. C. Piek- 
ler, .Jolin L. Porter and T. K. Sublette wore the members of the oommittoo wfiich 
wrote the by-laws. Col. John L. Porter was the first eaptain and was twieo elected 
to sueeeed himself. He was followed by J. W. Tinsman, W. W. Fulkerson, E. C. 
Pickler, Dr. (!. A. (Joben, I'homas Craifj. T. H. Brewinfffon, .\. L. Kider and Dr. 
C. K. Still, in the order mentioned. 

The Brigade was reorganized in 1908 by Kev. V. W. CJoe, who was then paslor 
of the M. E. Chureh, South, at Kirksville. H(> was assisted by J. M. Cates, R. !>. 
Cross, R. W. Porter, and a nvmiher of other members of the K. of P. lodge. Rev. 
Mr. Gee was elected captain, J. M. Gates fir.st lieutenant, and R. L. Cross second 
lieutenant. The Brigade now has a membership of about fifty, and the present 
officers are: F. M. Phipps, captain; R. L. Cross, first lieutenant; Clint Halladay, 
second lieutenant; R. W. Porter, recorder; Ethel Conner, treasurer. 

The Brigade is one of the most famous in the State, and has won many prizes 
in comt)etitive drills. At St. Joseph they won $195.00; at Ilarmibal, .$100.00; at 
St. Louis, $12.1.00, and a number of smaller prizes at various places. 

JAMES H. BURNETT was born in Schuyler County, Mis.souri, July 21, 1859, 
being a son of Rev. Charles W. and Susan Burnett. He was married to Mary Smith, 
November 1, 1886. Mrs. Burnett is a daughter of John H. and Sarah E. Smith. 
They have six children living, one dead: Bessie, born August 1, 1887, died March 
11, 1889; John W., September 22, 1890; Audrey B., May 12, 1893; Leo C, June 
25, 1895; Chesna M., May 12, 1898; Madge M., February 16, 1900; Paul E., July 
8, 1903. ]Mr. Burnett was reared on the farm in Schuyler County, where he farmed 
one year for himself before coming to Adair County. He moved near Wilmathsville, 
Adair County, in 1888, where he has lived almost continuously since. He owns a 
farm of 240 acres, just northwest of that town. It is well improved and they have a 
pretty homo. He is a breeder of Berkshire hogs, Percheron horses and fine cattle. 
His family is an old one in this section; his maternal grandfather, Fields Trammell, 
was a captain of one of the companies in the Indian wars in this state. At the battle 
between the Indians and soldiers in 1829, fought between the towns of Novinger and 
Greentop, Captain Trammell was shot through the body with an Indian arrow, and 
died six weeks later. 

]Mr. Burnett is a Socialist in politics. 

CHARLES ABERNATHY, son of Hugh and Salina (Powell) Abernathy, was 
born in Adair County, near Stahl, June 6, 1875. He was married November 2, 1896, 
to Lula Williams, daughter of John and Nancy WiUiams. They have two children: 
Glenn, born November 2, 1898; Ina C, May 8, 1902. 

Mr. Abernathy was born and reared on a farm one and one-half mile's south of 
Stahl, where he lived with his parents till grown. After his marriage he farmed, 
working in the mines during the winter, spending all his life in Adair County, ex- 
cept two years spent in the West. At present he is manager of one of the farm units 
of the Henley Ranch, conducting a farm of 296 acres, one and one-half miles west of 
Stahl. He is a breeder of Polled-Angus cattle, Percheron horses and Poland-China 
hogs. Mr. Abernathy is a Democrat, and belongs to the M. W. A. and U. M. W. 
A. fraternities. 



1040 



The History of Adair County. 




Residenc'o, Family and ()rchanl of J, II. (Swan) Bunictt, near \\illiiiatlivill< 



BlOGKAl'lIICAL. 



1041 




Attorney Chas. E. Murrell, Kirk.ville 



1042 The History of Adair County. 

FRANKLIN McCLAY, of 416 North Franklin Street, Kirksville, Missouri, was 
born near Chicago, lUinois, P'ebruary 20, 1853, being a son of David F. and Jane 
McCIay. He was married September 5, 1875, to Margaret A. Mauek. Mrs. Mc- 
Clay was born in Harrison County, Indiana, October 13, 1854. They have one 
child — Washington Irving, born January 30, 1887. 

David McClay, father of Franklin McClaj', was a native of Vermont, and came 
west when a young man, worked in the lead mines of Wis., and sailed from New 
York to California in 1849, and on his return purchased a farm, which is now a part 
of Chicago. When Franklin McClay was three years old his i)arents came to Adair 
County and settled on a farm near the i)i-esent town of Brashear, where Franklin 
was reared. When he was married he began farming and continued almost con- 
tinuously till the time of his father's death in 1904 in St. Louis. 

At present he owns two farms, one of 560 acres two miles northwest of Bra- 
shear, and one of 160 acres five miles northwest of Brashear; three properties in 
St. Louis and one in Brashear. He rented his farm in 1898 and moved to Kirks- 
ville to educate his son Irving, building a nice residence. This was swept away by 
the cyclone of April 27, 1899. Then he moved to St. Louis for the summer (where 
his father and brother lived), then took up farming again till 1904. when he again 
moved to Kirksville. His son Irving is now on the larger farm. 

David F., father of Franklin, was known as one of the most successful men in 
Adair County, donating to. Brashear three acres of ground for city park. 

Mr. McClay is a Republican in politics and he and wife are members of the 
United Brethren church. His son is a Republican and is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity. 

L. E. SCHOENE was born in Lee County, Iowa, February 12, 1865, being a 
son of Charles and Elizabeth (Orth) Schoene. He was married August 12, 1888, to 
Junetta Dunham, daughter of S. R. and Laura Dunham. To them were born six 
children: Pearl L., Alma E., Lester R., Travis B., Sidney E., and Lottie Winona. 
Travis B. and Lottie Winona having died in infancy. 

Since sixteen years old, Mr. Schoene has been in the employ of the C. B. & Q. 
and Q. O. cKr K. C. Railway Companies, in the capacity of agent and operator. He 
is at present the agent of the O. K. at Brashear, and has served the Company there 
for many years. He is very popular with the public, having been a resident of the 
county since 1887, and is highly esteemed by the company which employs him. 

Mr. Schoene is a Democrat, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and 
belongs to the O. R. T. and I. O. O. V. fraternities. 

RAYMOND BENNETT, born May 12, 1875, in Athens County, Ohio, is a 
son of J. H. and Matilda liennett. On March 17, 1897, he married Carrie Pass- 
waters, a slaughter of W. F. and Josie Passwaters. To this union were born two 
children: WilUam C, born in March, 1898; Jessie H., November 3, 1900. 

Mr. Heimett was born on a farm in Ohio, resided there until 1884, then moved 
with his parents to Illinois. In 1890 he came from there to Adair County, Missouri, 
where he has since lived. He was married at the age of twenty-two, and began 
farming for himself. His present farm, which consists f)f 120 acres, eight miles 
east of Kirksvilli', he purchased in 1900. He handles Poland-China and Berkshire 
hogs, Short-Horn cattle, etc. He is a prosperous farmer. Mr. Bennett is Dem- 
ocratic in politics. 




fts„ 




Residence of L. E. Sohoene, Brashear 



^ ' ^ 



D. F. McClay, deceased 



1044 



The History of Adair County. 







M 



\ V- 



Biographical. 



1045 




Mr. and Mrs. Krank McClay and their Kirksvillc Residence 



104G The Hii^xoRv of Adaiii County. 

JACOB B. NOVINGER, a farmer, stock raiser and coal dealer of Morrow town- 
ship, is a native of Daujihin County, Pennsylvania. He was born there August 11 
1845, and brought to Adair County, Missouri, when but eighteen months old. His 
parents, Isaac and Christina (Shoop) Novinger, settled where the city of Novinger 
now stands. Here he was reared on a farm, with no school advantages except those 
offered by the common country schools. Reaching his majority, he was imable to 
write his name. However, he afterwards attended two terms of schc&l at Green- 
castle, one under John Glanville and one under Joe Custer, now the president of 
the Mutual Bank, at Greenca.stle. He then attended the Normal Schocl, at Kirks- 
ville, for two terms, after which he taught school two years, again attending the 
Normal School another term. Since that time he has been engaged in farming. 
The city of Novinger was named for the Novinger family. His father's home stood 
where the Baptist church is now located, lliis land was afterwar.ds .sold to J. C. 
Novinger. 

After engaging in farming near Novinger for a f(;w years, in (connection with 
his brothers, Mr. Novinger married, and farmed with his father-in-law three years, 
then bought his present farm, where he has since lived. Soon after buying the fann 
he opened up coal mines on his place and shipped over the O. K. the first car of coal 
ever taken over that road. His mine is considered one of the best in the county, 
running about four feet. There are two veins of equal thickness and very superior 
(]uality. The farm consists of 425 acres, one-half mile west of Stahl. He is a breed- 
er of Short-Horn cattle, Poland-China hogs and Percheron horses. He is a Demo- 
crat and a member of the Lutheran church. 

Mr. Novinger was married October 11, 1S74, to Margaret Motter, daughter of 
Noah and Susannah Motter. Mrs. Novinger was born October 17, 1854, in Adair 
County, Missouri. They have eight children: Lillie R., born June 29, 1875, now 
Mrs. J. E. Tade, of Green City, Missouri; Martin L., September 23, 1876; Eman- 
uel L., December 3, 1878; Minnie C, December 25, 1880, now Mrs. H. H. Guy of 
Adair County; Noah I., July 16, 1883; Bessie M., now Mrs. Geo. W. Walters, 
Augu.st 24, 1885; Jacob B., August 22, 1890; William J. B., March 14, 1896. 

GEORGE W. CAIN was born in Adair Coimty, near Novinger, January 2, 
1833, a son of John and Emily (Hill) Cain. He married Mi.ss Christina Novinger, 
May 13, 1860. She was a daughter of Isaac and Christina (Shoop) Novinger. They 
had four children: Oliver B., born February 16, 1861; Fernando W., May 5, 1864; 
Margaret E., January 20, 1S66; and William J., September 14, 1871. .\11 are mar- 
ried. 

Mrs. Cain was born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, May 3, 1839. She 
came to this county with her parents in 1846. She died September 30, 1910. 

Mr. Cain claims the distinction of being the first white child born in this county, 
being born on the farm near the present city of Novinger. He owns this same farm 
and still lives there. It consists of 553 acres. The farm is well stocked with fine 
horses, Shoit-Horn cattle and Poland-China hogs. 

In politics, Mr. Cain is a Democrat. Mr. Cain joined the Elks lodge at Kirks- 
ville in the spring of 1911, and is said to be the oldest man in the country to become a 
member of that order. In spite of his advancing years he takes a deep interest in 
public affairs, and is one of the county's most splendid citizens. A reminiscence 
written by him, giving many interesting events and experiences of his life, will be 
found in another section of this work. 



BlOGHArHH'AL 



1047 




1048 



The History of Adair County, 




Mr. Goorjro W. Cain, near Novinfior 
Said to be the first white (;hild born in A(iair County 



BlO(JRAl'HlCAL. 



1049 




Mrs. George W. Cain, deceased 



1050 The History of Adair County. 

THOMAS M. EASLEY (deceased), a son of Jesse and Bettie Easley, was born 
in Russell County, Kentuoky, .lun(» 7, 1821. He moved with his parents to Schuy- 
ler County, Illinois, in 183S. Hen^ he was engaged in farming till the breaking out 
of the Mexican war. He served under CJeneral Taylor two years, till the close of that 
conflict, seeing much hard servic(\ 

He then moved to Centerville, Iowa, where he conducted a general store till 
1850, then went to California, making the trip overland with wagons. During his 
trip to California he met Colonel Porter, who afterwarrls commanded the Confed- 
erate forces on the day of the battle at Kirksville. They became w.arm friends, and 
afterward Colonel Porter was enabled to extend to Mr. Easley many favors, es- 
pecially during the time of the Civil War. It was through Colonel Porter's efforts 
that^neitlier Mr. Easley's family nor his pro])erty was ever molested by the roving 
bands of bushwhackers. 

In 1852 he returned to Schuyler County, Illinois, coming by way of Panama. 
On this trip the vessel was wrecked and sunk antl he had some thrilling experiences. 
He remained in Illinois till 1855, marrying during that period. In the spring of that 
year he moved to Adair County, Missouri. He entered land near Gibbs and engaged 
in farming there till 1858, then moved just across the line into Macon County, where 
he remained till his death, February 11, 1904. 

Mr. Easley married Sarah A. Stanford, August 7, 1853. They had nine cliil- 
dren, six of whom are living. Only one, George Easley, of Gibbs, lives in this county. 
The others are J. T., E. R., A. E., Mrs. Lizzie Daugherty and Mrs. Effie Payne. 

In politics Mr. Easley was an uncompromising Republican. He was a mem- 
ber of the Masonic order and the Christian church. His wife is .still living at the old 
home place in Macon County. 

DR. GEORGE A. STILL, Chief Surgeon of the A. S. O. Hospital, and for sev- 
eral years past, a professor in the American School of Osteopathy, was born in Eu- 
dora, Kansas, but at an early age his parents. Dr. S. S. and Ella D. Still, moved to 
Missouri, and the son completed the high school course and the third year course 
at the State Normal School, in Kirksville. After this he entered Drake University 
at Des Moines, Iowa, where he was prominent in both the classroom and athletics, 
winning the white "D" at football younger than anyone at that date, and also, as 
the youngest member of the class, won the honors in the four-years' science course, 
receiving for excellent scientific work a hand.some microscope at the close of the year. 
Later, diplomas were received from the American School of Osteopathy and North- 
western University Medical, of Chicago, where he completed the four-years' course 
in surgery and medicine. Special (-linical work in surgery was obtained from the 
six best hospitals in ('hicago, inchKhng Cook County, Wesley, Mercy and St. Luke's 
hospitals. 

Since gradviation, and as post-graduate work. Dr. Still has visited j)ractically 
every hospital of note in Ameri(!a, including the principal ones in New York, Buffalo, 
Toronto, Montreal, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Rochester, Minn., San Antonio, St. 
Louis, Kansas City, and many others, and has seen nearly all the really big .surgeons 
in the world operate. 

Dr. Still is a member of the American .\.ssociation for the Advancement of Sci- 
ence, the Clinical Surgeons of North .'\nierica, American Chemists, and many mor(> 
professional organizations. 

In 1904 Dr. Still lectured on Surgery, in Des Moines, and acted as City Path- 



l^IOCUAl'UK'AL. 



1051 




Thomas IM. P^asley, deceased, father of C. B. Easley 



1052 



The History of Adair County. 




BlOGRAI'IIlCAL. 1053 

ologist and Bacteriologist, also did the surgery for the t.wenty-four bed West Side 
Hospital, coniKH'ted with the Des Moines School. His private office was in the K. 
P. block. 

In the spring of 1905 he signed nj) for work at tlie A. S. O., and has been in Kirk.s- 
ville since then, teaching in the school and managing the surgical hospital. During 
a year the Doctor is called away on many operative and consultation trips, and has 
oj)erat(Hl in mor(> than half of the states of the Union. Of necessity his practice is 
limited to sm-gery. 

Dr. Still has written many articles on surgicid sulijects and several monographs 
on surgical research. 

Dr. Still was hapi)ily married to Miss Ardella Dockery, daughter (A Mr. and 
Mrs. T. J. Dockery, in 1906. Mrs. Still is a well known club woman, being I^istrict 
President of the Federation of Woman's Clubs. Dr. and Mrs. Still spend tlu> month 
of August annually at their pleasant summer home in the pine woods of Crow Wing 
County, Minnesota. This satisfies a strong liking for hunting and fishing that it 
is impossible to think of during the other eleven busy months. 

O. P. SPEARS was born in Harrison County, Kentucky, October 24, 1839, 
being a son of Adam and Leah Spears. He remained in Kentucky on the farm imtil 
nineteen years old, then moved to Livingston County, Mis.souri. He farmed three 
years near Chillicothe, then in 1862 went to California, remaining there until 1867. 
In the fall of that year he returned to Livingston County, but the following year 
went to Green River City, Wyoming, to assist in constructing the U. P. Railway. 
In 1870 he returned to Livingston County, purchasing 200 acres of land, southeast 
of Chillicothe, where he lived till 1889, when he sold the farm and for two years trav- 
eled. About 1891 he located in Carrollton, Missouri, where he conducted a laundry 
for nine years. He then sold out and established a laundry at Kirksville, where he 
has since lived. 

He is a Socialist in politics, and a member of the Christian church. 

A. C. SPEARS was born in Livingston County, Missouri, December 16, 1874, 
being a son of Reason A. and Mary E. Spears. When three years old he moved to 
Chillicothe with his parents. In 1895 they went to Carrollton, where he was connect- 
ed with the Enterprise Steam Laundry. Ten years ago he moved to Kirksville, 
Missouri, where he is managing foreman of Spears' Steam Laundry. They have 
fifteen agencies out of town and employ about ten to fifteen people. 

AUDREY D. RISDON was born at Kirksville, July 11, 1883, being a son of 
A. D. and Julia E. (Mitchell) Risdon. He was educated in the public schools and 
the Normal School at Kirksville, graduating from the last named institution in 1902. 
He then took a course in the Kirksville Business College, after which he taught school 
one year in the public schools of Kirksville, holding the chair of mathematics in the 
High School. This position he gave up to accept a position in the Baird National 
Bank, becoming bookkeeper. When the banks were consolidated and the Citizens 
National Bank organized, he was promoted to assistant cashier, remaining in that 
position till 1908. He then went into the automobile business, and was also for a 
time division superintendent for the International Corresi)ondence Schools. At 
present he is giving some attention to the aeroplane business in connection with J. 
N. Sparling. On April 17, 1911, he was appointed city clerk, which position he now 
holds. He is a Republican, and a member of the Elks lodge, being secretary of the 
local order. 



1054 



The Histouv of Adaiu County. 




15lO(!RAl'HI('AL. 



1055 




Audrey D. Risdon, City Clerk, Kirksville 



1056 



The History or Adair County. 




H. Sclhy, Kirksvillc, fcjrinor Mayor 



Biographical. 



1057 




Judge Jacob Sandis, Kirksville 



1058 The History of Adair County. 

RAPHAEL M. MILLER, son of James T. and Cliarlotto (Collins) Miller, was 
born January 1, 187G, in Putnam County, Missouri. He was married August 1, 
1899, to Jessie M. Stephens, daughter of Judge John D. and America Stephens. 
They have two children: Rai)ha(>l M., Jr., horn INIarch 13, 1902; Ronald S., August 
2.5, 190.->. 

Mr. Miller was born at a place called Milletsburg, now called Gra.ysville. He 
moved to .\dair County when only about three years old, and was rear(>d on a farm 
five miles southeast of Kirksville. He attended the public schools and took a three 
years' course at the State Normal School. He remained on the farm vmtil twenty 
years old, then came to Kirksville and worked for C. A. Robinson in the mercantile 
business for eight years. At the end of that time, in 1902, he was elected Recorder 
on the Democratic ticket, although the county then had a Republican majority of 
about SOO. He served four years. During this tim.e he assisted in organizing the 
Kirksville Trust Company. Immediately after his term of office expired he was 
elected Secretary of the Trust Company. He has served in this and other official 
capacities since its organization. Besides the bank, Mr. Miller is interested in va- 
rious other business enterprises. He owns several big mercantile establishments, 
has stock in numerous manufactories. He also owns 3,500 acres of land in this and 
neighboring states. 

R. M. Miller is a Democrat in politics, and has served his i)arty in various waj^s. 
In 1904 he was elected delegate from the First Congressional District to the National 
Democratic convention, the first time this honor has been given to this county in 
thirty years. 

CHARLES F. BUNDY was born in Indiana in 18.54, being a .son of Alfred and 
Louisa Bundy. He was united in marriage in 1876 to Sarah M. Crawford, daugh- 
ter of John and Mary A. Crawford. They have six children: I. A., born in 1878; 
Delba, 1879; Guy, 1880; Alta, 1883; Ralph, 1885; Anna Bell, 1888. 

Mr. Bundy came with his parents to this county when only four years old. They 
settled on a farm near Kirksville, and here Mr. Bundy grew to manhood. He at- 
tended the public schools and assisted his father .in conducting the farm, remaining 
at home till grown. He then married and continued the occupation of farming, and 
has followed that business continuously since. He has made this coimty his home 
since coming here in 1858. At present he owns a farm of 240 acres near Millard. 
It is well improved, and he handles all kinds of high-grade stock. 

He is a Republican in politics, and he and his family are members of the Pres- 
byterian church. 

WALTER B. OTTO was born and reared on a farm five miles .south of Kirks- 
ville, Mis.souri. He was born August 28, 1868, a son of Henry J. and Sarah E. Otto. 
His father was one of the early settlers of .\dair County. Mr. Otto farmed till 1894, 
then moved to Kirks\i!le, where he has since b(>en engaged in the car])ent('r and con- 
tracting business. 

He was united in marriage January 19, 1896, to Elizabeth Setters, daughter of 
Henry and Zabiah Setters. They have two children: Carl H., born January 11, 
1897; Ina L., May 5, 1900. 

Mr. Otto is a Repul)lican in jxilitics, is a Presbyterian in belief and a member 
of the M. W. A. lodg(>. 



Biographical. 



1059 




Raphael M. Miller, Secretary of Kirksville Trust Company 



1060 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 



1061 






'^ j.-***^ 





Residence and Family of Walter B. Otto, Kirksville; his parents, Henry 
J. deceased, and Sarah E. Otto 



1062 The History of Adair County. 

JAMES NOVINGER, son of Isaac and Christina (Shoop) Novinger, was born 
April 1, 1840, in Daui)liin County, Pennsylvania. He was married April 16, 187(5, 
to Louisa Snyder, daughter of Miehael and Margaret Snyder. They had si.K chil- 
dren, five of whom are living: Solomon, born December 20, 1876; Israel, March 
16, 1878; WiUiam, November 24, 1879; Harvey, November 11, 1881, died May 17, 
1899; (jrover, October 8, 1884; Benjamin, February 25, 1889. 

Mr. Novinger came to Adair County with his parents in 1847. He wa.s reared 
here on a farm, and followed that occupation all his life. He has a farm of 200 acres, 
two miles northeast of Novinger. 

In 1862 he joined Company D, 27th Infantry of Missouri Volunteers. He 
served till the close of the war. Mr. Novinger is a Democrat and a member of the 
Presbyterian church. 

JACOB J. ABERNATHEY was born in Davis County, Iowa, .January 19, 
1850. His parents were George and Dorcas Abernathey. The family moved to 
Adair Coxmty, Missouri, in 1859, and settled in Morrow township. Mr. Abernathey 
has lived in the same part of the county all his life, except two years spent in Sulli- 
van County. He has always been a farmer. The farm he now owns is one mile 
southeast of Stahl, and consists of 196 acres. 

J. J. Abernathey was married February 28, 1869, to Isabel Mrden, daughter of 
Hiram and Ehzabeth Virden. They have seven children: Elizabeth, born August 
8, 1870, died February 4, 1879; Mary, born September 7, 1872, now Mrs. W. J. 
Moore; James, born May 5, 1874; Hettie, born November 24, 1877, died August 
26, 1879; Myrtle, born September 9, 1879, now Mrs. Charles Williams; John, born 
September 4, 1881; Albinas, August 28, 1886. All the children are married. 

Mr. Abernathey belongs to the I. O. O. F. lodge, and is a Republican. He served 
four years as constable of Morrow township, and was deputy sheriff vmder J. H. 
Kinnear from 1885 to 1889. 

EPHRAIM W. IMBLER was born near Fairfield, Iowa, July 19, 1845. He 
is a son of Daniel and Saloma (Williams) Imbler. When twelve years old his parents 
moved to Knox County, Missouri, where he lived for a few years, then went to Ma- 
rion County, Missouri, where he was married. After his marriage he farmed a few 
years, then went to Sedgwick County, Kansas, and remain(>d till 1880. He next 
went back to Knox County, iheii to Adair County, Missouri, in 1882. Soon after 
coming here he bought a farm. He died March — , 1901. 

Mr. Imbler was married January 28, 1866, to Anna E. Mini ay, daughtcn- of 
(ieorge W. and Matilda A. (Mann) Murray. They had six children: Mary M., 
born December 23, 1866; Charles W., Septemb(>r 9, 1868; George E.. October 18, 
1870; Henry D., January 8, 1873; Lewis J., July 7, 1870; Thomas W., .Vpril 5, 
1879. Henry, Thomas and Mary are .still single; but the others are married. 

The farm consists of 120 acres of .splendidly improved land. Mrs. Imbler, her 
daughter Mary and son, Thomas Imbler, live on the plac(> and manage it. 

In 1861 Mr. Imbler joined Company F., Third Mis.souri Vohmteer Cavalry, 
and served till the close of the war. He saw nuich hard service in Louisiana and 
Arkansas. He was a member of the (i. A. K. 



BlOUHAPHICAL. 



1068 




Risidenee. FMiiiily and Barn of James Novinger, near Novin^er 



1064 



The History of Adair County. 




From left to right: James Noviuger, James H. Novinger, George Shoop, 

Elisha Wimber, the latter two deceased. They were messmates 

during the war and all from the same neighborhood. 

Pieture was taken at their last reunion 




K('si(lcn('(> aiid Fainil\- of James Alxriiatlu'V, near Stahl 



Biographical. 



1065 




E. W. Imbler, deceased, and wife. Also Residence, Barn and Famous 
Pear Orchard, 3 miles east of Kirks ville 



106() Thp: History of Adaik County. 

GEORGE W. BELL, born in Oldham County, Kentucky, May 18, 1849, was a 
•son of John D. and Nancy Bell. In the spring of 1850 he inoved with his parents 
to Illinois, where they remained until 1857, then came to Adair County, Mis.souri, 
entering land adjoining the farm on which Mr. Bell now lives. George W. Bell is 
a breeder of Aberdeen-Angus cattle, and had the first registered herd in this part 
of the country. 

Since coming to this county, Mr. Bell has always made this l)is home, and en- 
gaged in farming. He has 223 acres of land, situated four miles south of Kirksville, 
where he does general farming and stock raising. He has two lumiarried sisters, 
who make their home with him. His si.ster Josie is a native of Adair County, and 
Alice is a native of Illinois. M iss Josie is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, 
and for sixteen years was a most efficient public school teacher of Adair County. 

Mr. Bell is Republican in politics. 

SAMUEL F. BELL was born in Cass Covmty, Illinois, April 27, ISoIi, being a 
son of John D. and Nancy (Pennington) Bell. He was married March 1, 1883, to 
Millie McKinney, daughter of Archibald and Rachel A. (Davis) McKinney. They 
have one child — Margaret Mae, born April 7, 1891. 

He moved with his parents from Illinois to Adair County, Missouri, in 1857, 
living with them till grown. He then married and bought a farm 'near Bullion, where 
he remained until 1895, when he bought his present farm, located four miles south 
of Kirksville. He has 120 acres of fine land, and is a breeder of Polled-Angus cat- 
tle. He is a Re]>ublican. His family are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
church. 

DR. JAMES M. KIBLER is a native of Shenandoah Comity, Virginia. He 
was born October 21, 1865. His parents were William F. and Lucinda J. (Otto) 
.Kibler. On April 1, 1907, he was married to Lenna Langford, daughter of Robert 
L. and Emma (Shelton) Langford. Mrs. Kibler is a native of Clark County, Mis- 
souri; born December 30, 1881. They have two children: Isabelle, born January 
28, 1908; Robert Raymond, born June 1, 1909. 

Dr. Kibler came to Adair County in 18G9, and lived on the farm he now owns 
till grown. He attended the public sc^hool, and took a course at the Missouri State 
Normal School at Kirksville. Later he attended the American School of Osteo- 
pathy, graduating in 1909. After his graduation he practiced at Lynchburg, \'ir- 
ginia, and Henderson, Kentucky. In 1904 he took a post-graduate course, after 
which he practiced at Staunton, Virginia. In 1908 he gave up the practice, returned 
to Adair County, and resumed the occupation of farming. He owns a farm oi 325 
acres near Yoimgstown, and has a pretty home. 

He belongs to the I. (). O. l'\, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

E. E. BLACK was born F(;bruary 7, 1S77, in Knox County, Missouri, and is 
a .son of Ambrose E. and Pirena E. Black. He was married December 19, 1897, to 
Mary P. Tuttle, daughter of Daniel and Sarah Tut tie. They have thr(>e cliildren: 
Leo, born September 17, 1898; lona, July 19, 1901; Lucille, July (i, 19().S. 

Mr. Black was born and reared on a farm in Knox County, where he remained 
with his parents till grown. He then came to Adair County, where he engaged in 
the mercantile and lumber business till in 1907, he and George Tuttle organized the 
Brashear Banking Com])any, and Mr. Black was made cashier, whidi position he 
now holds. 

Mr. Black is a member of the I. O. O. V. and M. \\'. A. lodges. 



BlOGKAlMlICAL. 



10G7 




Barn, Horses and Thoroughbred Aberdeen Angus Cattle of George W 
Bell, 4 miles south of KirksJille 



1068 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 



1069 




Residence, Family, Stociv and .Scene on Farm of Dr. J. I\I. Kibler 
near Youngstown 



1070 



TiiK History of Adair County. 




BuxiKAIMIICAL. 



1071 




o 








1072 The History of Adair County. 

COL. ERNEST A. COGHILL was born near Sublette, in Adair County, Mis- 
souri, August. IS, 1S71, being a son of John W. and Susan (Floyd) Coghill. He was 
the eleventh child in a family of fourteen. He was married February 24, 1897 to 
Alice B. Hawkins, a daughter of Judge Hawkins. They had two children, one of 
whom is living: Roscoe Virgil, born March 14, 1899, died January 10, 1900; John 
Purl, October 23, 1903. 

CV)1. Coghill was born and reared on a farm, land entered by his grandfather 
near Sublette, and now owned by L. L. Mickel. His father died when he was eight 
years old and his mother a year later. He then made his home with his sister, Mrs. 
(Jeorge Horton, till he was fifteen years old. At that age he began to make his own 
living. He worked by the month on the farm and at other occupations till his mar- 
riage. A few years later he bought his present farm, the Elms, and has lived there 
continuously since. It consists of eighty acres and is situated about two miles south- 
west of Millard. It is well improved and he has a very pretty home. He is a breed- 
er of thoroughbred Short-Horn cattle, Shropshire sheep, Berkshire hogs and 
pedigreed saddle horses. For the past five years, in addition to his farming, he has 
given much attention to auctioneering and is considered one of the best in his line 
in the county, making a specialty of farm sales and live stock. 

Mrs. Coghill is also a native of Adair County and was born on the old Hawkins 
homestead, near Millard, June 23, 1876. She has lived in this county all her life. 

Col. Coghill's father, John W. Coghill, was born February 17, 1832, in Kentucky. 
He was married to Susan Ployd July 8, 1852. The wedding occurred at an old log 
house on land now owned by Emmett Luder. Col. Coghill's grandfather, Jackson 
Floyd, came to Adair County in 1842, when Schuyler County was an attached part 
of this county. It is said that he entered land where Kirksville is now loc-ated. 

FRANK LUTZ was born in Adair County, Missouri, near Kirksville, March 
19, 1S74, being a son of Samuel A. and Julia Lutz. He was married May 23, 1896, 
to Dora C. Claus, daughter of Peter and Catherine Claus. They have one child — 
Virginia, born March 17, 1897. 

Mr. Lutz's parents died when he was small and lie made his home with his grand- 
parents till fourteen years old. He then started out to make his own way and has 
worked at various occupations and has lived in ten different states. Finally, in 
1907, ho returned to Adair County, where he has since lived and been engag(Ml in 
farming. At present he owns a farm of eighty acres, five miles southwest of Kirks- 
ville. In 1910 he was appointed overseer of road district No. 11, consisting of the 
south part of Benton township. In his district there arc over 100 miles of road and 
nearly eighty miles of it have been graded this year, much other work also being done. 
Mr. Lutz is considered one of the best overseers in the county, and keeps his roads 
in fine condition. He is a Republican in politics and belongs to the M. A\'. \. fra- 
ternity. 

GEORGE W. VANLANINGHAM was born February 12, 1828, in Harrison 
County, Indiana. He was married January 24, 1851, to Sarah S. Blakeley. They 
had eleven children, six of whom are living: John W.; Emma L., now Mrs. Levi 
Phipps; George L.; J. (!.; Kittie M., now Mrs. Edward Lininger; Thomas M. 

Mr. Vanlaningham came to Adair County, Missouri, in 1855, where he lived 
and farmed near Novinger till his death, January 15, 1907. Mrs. Vanlaningham died 
February 21, 1907. Mr. Vanlaningham was one of the oldest and best known men 
in Adair County. 



Biographical. 



1073 




Family, He.sidcnco, Hani and >Stock of Col. E. A. Ccghill, 
2 miles sonthwe^^t of Millard 



1074 



Thk History of Adair County. 




Upper — Frank Lutz, with Teams and Hoad Grader 
Lower — RcKidence and l<"ainily of Frank Lutz, near Younsstown 



Biographical. 1075 

DR. GEORGP: M. LAUGHLIN, a nativo of Now London, Missouri, was horn 
Doccnibcr 2o, 1S72, iM-ini; a son of (ieorfic H. and Deborah J. Lau^hlin. Ho was 
married April 11, 1900, to Hlaiu-lio Still, daughter of Andrew T. and Mary M. Still. 
Dr. Laufihlin jj;raduatod from the Kirksville State Normal School in 1.S94, and taught 
in the public schools for six years. In 1900 he graduated from the American School 
of Osteopathy, and since that time has been connected with the school of Osteo- 
pathy at Kirksville in the capacity of teacher of practice of Osteopathy and general 
practitioner. In September, 1911, Dr. Laughlin was elected Dean of the A. S. ()., 
succeeding Dr. K. K. Hamilton. He is interested in many business enterprises and 
one of the owners of the famous Kinloch Farm. Ho is a lief)ul)lican, a member of 
the Christian church and belongs to the Masonic, K. of P. and I<]lks fraternities. 

THE KINLOCH FARM is another institution which is bringing world-wide 
fame to Kirk.svillo. It is owned by Dr. George M. Lauglilin and Dr. Charles K. 
Still. They are breeders and importers of thoroughbred Jersey cattle and Berk- 
shire hogs. The business was started in 1895 by Dr. C. E. Still, but in 1890 he sold 
off all his live stock, and immediately after this sale the present firm was organized. 
They are now, perhaps, the most famous breeders of these lines of stock in tlio world, 
and certainly among the largest. They now have on hands about one hundnnl 
head of registered and imported cattle and about three hundred head of registered 
and imported hogs. Their hog herd is doubtless the largest of the kind in America 
and contains some of the most famous hogs. They are splendidly equipped for 
breeding and have a farm of 350 acres adjoining Kirksville on the west, and another 
of 400 acres adjoining on the east. Thej^ have a large number of handsome and 
commodious barns, with the newest, modern, sanitary equipment. 

Dr. Still makes from one to two trips a year to Europe for the purpose of making 
importations, securing the best the European markets afford. They are shipped to 
Kirksville and sales are held from one to two times a year. These sales are among 
the big events with the breeders of the country. Stockmen from all over the United 
States and Canada, and often from across the water, come to Kirksville to attend 
these sales. At a recent sale buj^ers were here from Australia and New Zealand. 
In the summer of 1911 a sale was held at their barn, at which some cattle sold for 
record prices. Viola's Golden Jolly, an imported animal, sold for $13,000.00. Jolly's 
Royal Sultan, an animal of their own breeding, sold for $10,000.00 His mother, 
Majesty's Lady Hoopla, sold for $3,400.00. 

Their hog herd now consists of about 300 registered animals. They hold a sale 
once a year, and have some of the world's famous hogs. They were the owaiers of 
Star Masterpiece, the highest priced hog in the world, and still have a number of 
his o.fTspring on their farm. Concerning the Kinloch P'arm, we quote the following 
as an excerpt frpm an article written by Prof. Hugh Van Pelt: 

"Great and rapid as have improvements been made in the character of dairy 
herds 'surrounding Kirksville, much of the credit is *due the Kinloch Farm operated 
at that- point by' Doctors C. E. Still and Geo. M. Laughlin. During the past fifteen 
years rnany of the best Jerseys ever bred on the Island of Jersey and in America have 
been 9wned at Kinloch Farm, and from time to tiine they with their progeny .sokl 
by scores and their prepotent blood diffused in herds all over the country. Many 
times prices have been paid causing sacrifice on the part of the sellers, enabling buyers 
to secure the best blood known in the Jersey world at a price within the n^ach of the 
farmer and dairyman. In fact, since Dr. Still first organized Kinloch Farm ho has 
held in mind the breeder who was just beginning, the dairyman who needs produc- 
tive cows, and the farmer with pride that would lead liim to seek good bulls for breed- 
ing up his herd." 



1076 



The History of Adair County, 




Dr. (!('(. rfi(> M. Laufililin, J\irk!svillc 



Biographical. 



1077 




1078 



The Histoky of Adaih County. 




Bl()(iKAFH!( AL. 



1079 



o 



o 




1080 



The History of Adair County 




RlO(iUAlMll(:AL 



1081 




i, 



!i! 



1 ! 



£ 



^4 



1082 



The History of Adair County 




lilOCiKAPIIICAL. 1083 

JAMES COY wtis born in La Rue County, Kentucky, at Hodgcnvillo, Fohriiary 
12, 1846. He was a son of John M. and Siania Coy. On Novombor 22, 1S7(), lie wa.s 
married to Icy Krin^r, -who (iied April 11, 1S9."{. She was a dauglit.er of Amh-ew 
and Carohne Kriner. They had nine children: Archie M. Coy, born Aufj;u.>;t o, 
1S7S; WiUiam A. Coy, born October 2, 1S7!); Siania H. Coy, born October 4, ISSO, 
now Mrs. (Jeorge Bozarth; Anna F. Coy, born N()V(>nib(>r I'.i, ISS2, now Mrs. E. T. 
Bozarth; Gracie M. Coy, born December 21, 1SS:S; James P. Coy, born February 
16, 1885, died September 4, 1902; Mamie M. Coy, Imhu September 24, 1887, (hed 
January 19, 1890; Connard I. Coy, born June i:}, 1889; Lilhe R. Coy, born Sep- 
tember 17, 1891. 

Mr. Coy came to Achiir County with liis parents October 5, 18.5r), and settled 
near the present town of Pure Air. Here he hved till jjrown. He lias always been 
engaged iii farming. At present he owns a farm of 19o acres, one mile east of Pure 
Air. He is a brepder of Percheron horses, fine hogs and (-attle. 

During the war he was a member of Com]mny B., 39lh Missomi N'olunteer In- 
fantry. He is a Democrat in politics. 

CHARLES W. HUGHES, son of James and Sarah Hughes, was born in Schuy- 
ler County, Missouri, August 1, 1858. He married Nettie Converse, October 25, 
1877. She is a daughter of Lewis and Salena Converse. They have six children: 
Melvin, born September 14, 1878; Homer, January 25, 1880; Edwin, June 6, 1882; 
Forest, May 19, 1887; Dale, April 9, 1897; Cornelius, August 16, 1899. 

Mr. Hughes was born on a farm in Schuyler County. His parents ha\'ing died 
when he was very small, he made his home with relatives in Iowa, where he lived till 
grown. He then married and lived in Marion Coimty, Iowa, till 1884. He came to 
Adair County in that year. He has been living and farming in this county since. 
He now own.s a farm of sixty-five acres, near Clay. He is a member of the Method- 
ist church. 

JAMES SEES was born in Jackson County, Ohio, February 4, 1861, being a 
son of Thomas and Margaret M. Sees. He was married January 1, 1884, to Emma 
J. Strock, daughter of M. F'. and Airy E. Strock. They have seven children: Ina, 
born November 19, 1884; Essie, July 16, 1887; Irvie, April 3, 1890; J. Ray and 
Lilah Mae, twins, November 14, 1894; Dale, December 9, 1896; Glenn, October 
7, 1902. 

Mr. Sees came to Adair County, Missouri, with his parents in 1868, settling at 
old Paul Town. Lived there about two years, then moved to a farm in that vicin- 
ity, where Mr. Sees grew to manhood. He lived there with his parents, farming 
and working at the carpenter's trade until he was married. He and wife went to 
housekeeping in the town of Brashear, living in that vicinity until the fall of 1890, 
then moving to Kirksville and working at the carpenter's trade until the si)ring of 
1898. He then moved with his family to his farm five miles northwest of Brashear, 
where he still lives. He does general farming and .stock raising. His farm consists 
of 160 acres, and is well improved. 

Mr. Sees is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the M. \V. A. lodge. 
His wife is a member of the United Brethren church. Mr. Sees is not a member of 
any church, but is in sympathy with all organizations working for the uplift of hu- 
manitv. 



1084 



The History of Adair County. 




Residence, Family, Barn uml Horses of James Coy, near Pure Air 



BlOGUAlMIlCAL. 



J 085 



E 



zdI 




kfe' 



n 




1086 



The History of Adair County. 




Residence, Family and Barn of James Sees, 7 miles east of Kirksville 



Biographical. 1087 

NICHOLAS HAMLING, a nulivi- of Liixcanburg, ( Icnnaiiy, was born l'"cl)ni- 
ary 21, 18(55. When very small he moved to Franco willi his parents, .John ami 
Mary (Till) Hamlinp;, remaining there until his comiiif;; to America. Laiidinti in 
New York February 1, 1890, he went to Illinois where he en{j;afj;e(i in larininn for six 
months, then came to Grundy County, Illinois, then to Stahl November 2.') of the 
same year. Here he dug coal till 1897, then bought the Miller place. Later he 
bought other land near his original place, and now owns a farm of 200 acres, just 
.southwest of Stahl. He is a breeder of Jersey cattle, and just starting in the dairy 
business. He also raises Poland-China hogs and Percheron hor.ses. While conduct- 
ing his farm here he spent some time in Sullivan Coimty, ruiming a grist mill, and is 
just installing the same thing on his present farm. 

Mr. Hamling was married June 6, 1908, to Mary Zanter, daughter of Nicholas 
and Louise (Brinkey) Zanter. They have one child — Louise L., born October 2'.i, 
1909. He was formerly married to Almeda E. Ledford, who died Sejjtember 11, 
190(j. They were married July 4, 1894, and had two children: Carrie, born August 
10, 1898, died September 15, 1898; John N., January 24, 1904. Mr. Hamhng is a 
Republican, a member of the Catholic church, and belongs to the I. (). (). F. lodge. 

S. F. SHOOP was born in Adair County, Missouri, near Nineveh, February 
3, 1871, being a .son of Judge Adam and Cyrena Shoop. He was married October 
28, 1894, to Catherine Miller, a daughter of John D. and Louisa Miller. They have 
six children: Leola, born May 7, 1896; Hugo, August 5, 1898; Velma A., January 
2, 1900; John D., February 19, 1902; George M., December 29, 1904; Loui.se, Feb- 
ruary 27, 1910. 

Mr. Shoop was born and reared on a farm just west of Nineveh, living there with 
his parents till grown. He then went into the mercantile business at Willmathville, 
remaining there six years. Then, in connection with M. C. Miller and J. H. Berry, 
he organized the Miller Mercantile Company, and they openetl a store at Connels- 
ville, and also one at Novinger, Mr. Shoop being made manager of the Connelsville 
branch. Later they sold the Novinger store and opened up a big general store at 
Nineveh. They now own and conduct two big stores at that place, one at what is 
known as old Nineveh and another near the depot at Connelsville. In addition to 
the mercantile business, Mr. Shoop owns 100 acres of land neapShibley's Point. 

Mr. Shoop is a Republican in politics. 

HENRY L. YOWELL was born in Howard County, Mi.ssouri, September 25, 
1850, a son of John S. and Jensey Y. Yowell. He was married November 9, 1876, 
to Elizabeth J. Farmer, who died June 10, 1896. They had eight children: Bertha 
B., wife of John Cunningham; Jesse O.; James I.; Lillie M., wife of Charles Cun- 
ningham; Grbver C. F.,; Robert O.; Amos S.; Etta G. Mr. Yowell was again 
married October 13, 1900 to Teresa Farmer. They have two children: Snodie, born 
Nov. 19, 1902; Fannie P., April 25, 1904. 

Mr. Yowell moved to Lewis County with his parents in 1861. He lived there 
ten years, and then moved to Schuyler County. In 1881 he came to Adair County, 
and then moved to Schuyler County. In 1881 he came to Adair County, where he 
has since lived and farmed. At present he owns a farm of 225 acres, one mile .south- 
west of Pure Air. He handles Aberdeen-Angus cattle and Percheron horses. 

He is a Democrat. Mrs. Yowell is a member of the Baptist church. 



1088 



TnK History of Adair County. 




Residence, Family and Fine Stock of Nick Hamlinji, near Staiil 



BlOCiRAPIIlCAL. 



1089 




Rej~idencc and Family of S. V. Shoop, Connclsvilh 



1090 The Hi.siory ok Adair County. 

T. E. ELMORE, a native of Adair County, was born July S, 1S64, being a son 
of W. C. and Eliza Elmore. He was married in 1888 to Allie Begolc, daughter of 
D. W. and Lyda Begole. They had six children: Opal, born September 9, 1889- 
Ora, November 28, 1890; Fay, November 24, 1892; Warren, September i:^, 1900; 
deceased; Aubrey, December 27, 1902; Vita, July 17, 1908. 

In 1888 T. E. Elmore and his brother, George, built the first store at, Gibbs, it 
being the first business establishment there. They continued that business four 
years, then Mr. Elmore sold out his interest there and moved to a farm south of 
Gibbs, remaining there till 1902. At that time he moved to Gibbs and went into the 
banking business, remaining one year. He then went to Oklahoma and remained 
a year, returning to Adair County, where he bought his present farm, one mile north 
of Gibbs. It consists of 320 acres and is well improved. He handles Polled-Angus 
cattle, Shropsliirc sheep and Percheron horses. He has what is considered one of the 
best farms in the county and a beautiful home. Besides his home farm he owns 
360 acres in Arkansas. 

Mr. Elmore is a Republican in politics, a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity 
and belongs to the Methodist church. 

FRANCIS MARTIN HARRINGTON was born in Amsterdam, New York, 
within foiu' miles of the place where his grandfather, Joseph Hagamen, a Lieutenant 
in the Revolutionary War, erected the first grist mill west of the Hud.son River. 
His father, Martin Harrington, a native of Grafton, Massachusetts, was descendetl 
from several Massachusetts families who were prominently identified with the cause 
of freedom and Colonial Independence. Eleven of the 130 men in Captain Parker's 
Company at the Battle of Lexington, were Harringtons, and two of them, Jonathan 
and Caleb, were numbered among the nine who fell on the Lexington Common, April 
19, 1775. Through the Putnams, Brighams and Elliots, of Massachusetts, also 
comes to Mr. Harrington on the paternal side, a splendid line of ancestry. 

His mother was Catharine Hagamen of New York, a lineal descendant of the old 
Schout-Fiscal, Adrian Hagamen, who governed five Dutch Colonic^s on Long Island 
in 1650. 

Francis Harrington received a fair education in the public schools of Pike Coun- 
ty, Illinois, where he afterwards taught several terms. He read law in Pittsfield, 
Illinois, with Hay and Matthews. Then entered the Law Department of Northwest- 
ern University, of Chicago, from which he graduated in 1866. In July of the same 
year, he located in Kirksville for the practi(;e of his profes.sion. Four years later he 
was married to Miss Martha Dutcher of Barry, Illinois. To this union were born 
two sons and five daughters, all of whom are living except one infant daughter. 

Mr. Harrington has been identified with many public improvements in Kirks- 
ville through her transition period from a tiny village to a flourishing little city. In 
1869 he represented Adair County at a meeting held in Quincy for the i)uri)ose of or- 
ganizing a company to build a railroad from (Quincy to Kirksville. 

He was one of the directors of the Kirksville Savings Bank at the time of its 
establishment in 1873, and was for many years vice-president of this institution. 
Mr. Harrington was active in i\w movement to establish the First State Normal 
School in Kirksville, and was ])resident of the Public School Board when the Wash- 
ingtim and Benton school buildings were erected. He was a member of the Water 
Works Conimiftce in tlie town. He served as County Attornev for five or six years, 



BuXUtAIMIICAL. 



1091 




Hon. F. M. Harrington, Postnia.'stor, Kirk-sville 



1092 The History of Adair County. 

and it was during one of his early Icrnis tliat the liridge at Sloan's Point was l)iiilt 
across the Chariton liiver. 

Mr. Harrington was a member of the Thirtieth (ieneral Assembl}- of Missouri 
and while attending this session, was elected Mayor of Kirksville without his knowl- 
edge. He was re-elected Mayor and resigned to become again reiiresentative from 
Adair County, which office he held until the close of the Thirty-Second Assemblv. 
In 1890 Mr. Harrington was the defeated candidate for Congress, although liaving 
made a splendid race for a Republican in a district largely Democratc. 

Mr. Harrington was an untiring worker in the halls of the Lejiislature. He 
served on the Ways and Means Committee and other important committees during 
the various sessions, and was the author of a number of important bills, among them, 
the well-known Marriage License Bill passed at the Thirtieth General Assembly, 
which requires license to be issued by the Recorder of Deeds. He was also the au- 
thor of the bill preventing the marriage of cousins in this state. 

After an absence of many years, Mr. Harrington became a member of the Forty- 
Second General Assembly. Upon his return from Jci'ferson City a royal welcome was 
given him at his home on East Normal .\ venue, as a mark of appreciation of his work 
as Representative of Adair County. 

"Mr. Harrington," writes a friend of his, "has a peculiar shrewdness in man- 
aging a case that is undefinable, and is the secret in part, of his splendid success." 
"As a jury lawyer," continued his legal brother, "he has few peers in his judgment. 
A truer friend to his clients I never saw." 

Several years ago Mr. Harrington retired from active practice- to accept the 
office of Postmaster. At the expiration of the term he was reai)])ointed. 

ALBERT HERREN, a native of Canada, was born November 20, 1850, a son 
of James and Elizabeth (Liscom) Herren. Though born in Canada, when but a 
baby he moved with his parents to Illinois. Here he remained on a farm until 1872, 
when he moved to Adair County, where he has since lived and farmed. He owns a 
farm of 320 acres, ten miles southwest of Kirksville. The place wliere they live 
joins Mrs. Herren's home and belongs to her. It consists of 205 acres, with one 
of the most beautiful homes in the coimty. She also owns 245 acres in Knox County. 
They do no active farming, all their land being leased. 

Albert Herren was imited in marriage February 10, 1904, to Peoria Dowdy, a 
daughter of Jefferson J. and Mary (Atterberrj-) Dowdy. She was born in MacoM 
County, November 24, 1860, coming to this county the same year. They have no 
children. By a former marriage Mrs. Herren has three children: Annie A. Bragg, 
now Mrs. Pearl Graham, of Whittier, California; George Bragg, of Washington; 
Mary A. Bragg, now Mrs. Charles Lee, of Sycamore, Illinois. Mrs. Hei rcn's former 
husband was George J. Bragg, of Washington. 

Mr. HerrPn is a Republican. 

MISS RILLA WREN was born in jienton County, Oregon. Slic li\r'd 1 hen- 
till grown, attending the public schools. In 1890 she came to Kirksville and took a 
cours(> in the Kirksville Business College, also a course at the State Norm:il School. 
She then entered the mercantile business and is at present a member of the Porter- 
Wren Co., owning a half interest. Miss AVren is the buyer for the firm. 



BiocurvriiK Ai.. 



1003 




Top, left to right— Mrs. Susan (Novinger) Darr, Isaac Noviiiger, Jr. 
Center— Mrs. Isaac; Novinger, Isaac Novinger and Grand child, 
Grandma Motter. Bottom— Jacob Shoop, Mr. and Mrs. Noah Mot- 
ter, all deceased, except grandchild, now Mrs. Shibley 



1094 



The History of Adair County. 




Jacob N()\iiiji('r and Fainilw real Stalil 



l^IOCHAPIIICAT.. 



1095 




Residence, Barn and Stock of Daniel D. Novir.g.>r, 7 miles southwest ol 

Novinger. Paniits ( f Mrs. Novinger, Milton J. and Luey J. 

Bozailh. Mr. Bozaitli is deceased 



1096 The Histohy of Adair County. 

GEORGE YOUNG was born near Caiilon, Ohio, Jmic 24, 1S34, hoins a son of 
Christ and Catherine Young. Ho was marricvl April 12, 1857, to EHzaboth Sharr 
daughter of Philip and Barbara Sharr. They had eight children, five of whom are 
li\ing. Those living are, Minnie, now the wife of C. M. Brawner, Cieorge .\., William 
Clinton, Effie, now the wife of Harry Balch. 

Mr. Young was born and reared on a farm in Ohio. He followeil the occupation 
of farming in that state till 1860, when he moved with his family to this county. 
He purchased land near the present town of Youngstown, where he has since lived 
and been engaged in farming. At present he owns a farm of 520 acres at Youngstown, 
the town being built on his farm. He assisted in organizing that little city, and 
still owns a large number of lots in it. Besides general farming, he handles Short 
Horn cattle, Poland China hogs, and Percheron horses. 

Mr. Young is a Republican in politics and he and his family are members of 
the Methodi.st church. 

SOLOMON E. MOYER was born at Dayton, Michigan, February 7, 1866, 
being a son of Solomon and Nancy C. (Martin) Moyer. He was married October 
16, 1892, to Delia Goodwin, daughter of Columbus C. and Margaret (Dillinger) 
Goodwin. Mrs. Moyer was born in Sullivan County, Missouri, November 25, 1871, 
and came to Adair County in 1881. They have one child — Pansy O., born August 
6, 1893, died August 13, 1902. They have one adopted child — Theodore, nine years 
old. 

Mr. Moj'er went to Iowa with his parents when a small boy, then in 1871 moved 
to Sullivan Covmty, Missouri, remaining there one year. In 1872 he came to Adair 
County, where he has since lived. He has been engaged in the saw mill and bridge 
business. At present he devotes his time to building count j' bridges. He lives at 
Youngstown, where he owns a home and twenty-eight acres adjoining the town. 

He is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

THOMAS E. CLARKSON was born at Clayton, Illinois, March 24, 1851, a 
son of Kinzie and Theresa Clarkson. He lived in Illinois until 1883, then came to 
Knox County, Missouri, where he lived ten years, engaged in farming. He then 
came to Adair County and farmed here until 1897, sold his farm, and moved to 
Brashear where he buys and sells horses and mules. He has been tlie constable of 
Salt River township for twelve years. 

FRANCIS A. PEVEHOUSE was born in Adair Couiiiy, near Brashear, .Mis- 
souri, .\])ril 17, 1867. He was reared on land seven miles northwest of Brashear, 
the farm he now owns being a part of the old home place. When grown he started 
farming on tlic liomc i)lac!' lor himself. He now owns a farm of 193 acres, six miles 
northwest of Brashear. He is a breeder of Short-Horn cattle, Poland-China hogs, 
and the highest type of graded .stock; also he has a tine registered saddle filley of his 
own raising. 

Mr. Pevehouse was married I'ebruary 12, 1888, to Mary V. Dunham, daughter 
of Elijah and Mary A. Duidiam. They had ten children, nine of wliom are living: 
Elijah W., born December 24, 1888; Nora E., December 13, 1890; 0.«car H., May 
22, 1892, died February 12, 1894; Roy E., Deceml)er 4, 1893; Eva L., July 14, 1895; 
Francis A., June 24, 1897; Nellie L., Jamiary 10, 1900; Goldie M., March 8, 1903; 
CJlenn E., February 18, 1905; Gladys M., January 8, 1908. 

Mr. Pevehouse is a Republiciui and a nuMuher of the M(>thodist church. 



1098 



The History of Adair County. 




"Fhomas E. Clarkson and His Thoroughbred Horse, Brashcar 




: ,i^,K ,<' ;> 



Hcsidciicc (il l)a\id l^ariiliill, iic-ii- hr;ishc.-ii- 



BlOOHAI'llICAL. 



1009 




Mr. J. M. KcniH'ilv, Kiiksvillc 



1100 The History of Adair County. 

JOSEPH McREYNOLDS was born April 10, 1S47, in Knox County, Missouri, 
being a son of Josiah and Mary (Puo) McReynokis. He was married Ai)ril 4, 187G 
to Nancy Henry, daughter of Hugh F. and Leah Henry. Mrs. McReynolds is also 
a native of Knox County, and was born Dee. 8, 1S52. Thej- had ten children, seven 
of whom are living: Hugh, born April 17, 1877; Charles F., Oct. 21, 1878; Homer E., 
April 28, 1881; Verdie L., Aug. 17, 1884; Addie M., March 23, 1886, now Mrs! 
Tony Rollis(,n; Elizabeth, May 23, 1888; Fannie C, May 23, 1891. Three child- 
ren (lied in infancy. 

Mr. Mclleynokls was born and reared in Knox County, Mi.ssouri, and belongs 
to one of the old-time families of that section. He remained at home with his parents 
till grown, then married and took up the occupation of farming. Soon after his 
marriage he moved across the line to Lewis County, where he remained about five 
years. Then in 1881 he came to Adair County and bought his present farm where he 
has since lived. It consists of 160 acres, six miles south-west of Gibbs. He also 
owns twenty acres across the line in Macon C/Ountj'. He tloes general farming and 
stock raising. 

Mr. McReynolds is a Democrat in i)olitics and belongs to the Baptist cliurch. 

JOHN A. MYERS, born in Sullivan County, Missouri, near Green City, Sep- 
tember 3, IS.^7, is a son of Henry and Mary A. Myers. He was married to Margar(>t 
A. Novinger, daughter of Isaac and Christina Novinger, January 1, 1880. She 
belongs to one of the oldest families of Adair County. They have nine children: 
Elnora J., born January 25, 1881, now Mrs. I. K. Moore; Rosa L., October 17, 1882, 
now Mrs. H. E. Jackson; Isaac J., December 5, 1884; Henry L., October 24, 1886; 
John S., September 10, 1888; Sarah C, March 24, 1890; Catherine L., March 20, 
1892; Grace A., April 25, 1894; Ralph E., March 20, 1896. 

The farm on which Mr. Myers was born and reared is in Sullivan County, within 
a half mile of where he now lives. He has always lived in that coimty and has always 
been engaged in farming. He owns a farm of 200 acres, just northeast of Green 
City, and is a son of one of the oldest settlers of Sullivan County. 

His wife, who was a member of the Novinger family, was born just west of Nov- 
inger, July 9, 1856. She was reared in Adair County, living there till licr marriage 
to Mr. Myers. Since then she has made her home in Sullivan County. 

Mr. Myers is a Republican. 

ALVARO T. MORROW was born October 29, 1859, in Adair Comity, Mis- 
souri. His parents were Joseph Maxwell and Rosanna Morrow. Ho was married 
February 24, 1880, tu Anna Lowe, daughter of Hawley and Maria Low. Mrs. Mor- 
row was born in Adair County, March 29, 1862. They had ten chiltlr(>n, eight of 
whom are living: E.stelle M., born December 8, 1882, died April 10, 1S90; Junia F., 
June 2, 1884; Robert A., May 21, 1886; Alfred G., June 8, 1890; Rosa M., March 
13, 1892; Berthel L., February 16, 1894; CHfford M., March 21, 1896; Catherine 
E., September 7, 1898; (Jeorge E., S(>pt(Mnb(T 20, 1900. The first child, born Sep- 
tember 13, 1881, dietl in infancy. 

The fariu on which Mr. Morrow was reared is seven miles easi of Kirksville. 
He bought the farm now owned by his widow, in 1900, moving tliere the next year. 
He lived there till his death, December 4, 1907. Mrs. Morrow has hved on and man- 
aged the f.arm since his death. The farm consists of eighty-seven acres, eight miles 
northeast of Kirksville. It is well improved. The family belongs to the Methodist 
Episco])al church. 



IjUXiKAIMIKAL. 



101 



T3 

p- 



X 




1102 The History of Adair County. 

REUBEN W. PROPST is a native of Adair County, Missouri, and was horn 
nortli of the present town of Brashoar, Oct. 10, 1800, being a son of Robert and Ma- 
linda Propst. He was united in marriage Feb. 20, 1883, to Ora Paul, daughter of 
J. Horatio and Sarah A. Paul. They have four children: Daisy B. born Nov. 28 
18S3; Chauncey F., Aug.6, 1886; Horatio D., Nov.. 28, 1888; Anna L., Jan. 31, 189L 

Mr. Propst was born and reared on the old Propst homestead, just north of 
Brashcar, remaining at home with his parents till grown. He then married and 
continued the occupation of farming, having lived in this county and followed that 
business all his life. At present he owns a farm of 240 acres, 4 1-2 miles north of 
Brashear. It is regarded as one of the best farms in the county, and is splendidly 
improved, the home being a handsome one with many modern improvements. Mr. 
Propst is a jirogressive, scientific farmer, and a breeder of high-grade stock. Mr. 
Propst is a Republican in politics and he and his family belong to the Methodist 
church. 

JOHN H. WALLACE was reared on a farm in Adair County, Missom-i, on land 
entered by Col. Jones and later sold to Mr. Wallace's grandfather for $2.00 an acre. 
He was born there March 10, 1876, son of James and Mary E. Wallace. He was 
married May 2, 1899, to Grace Dunham, daughter of George and Mary E. Dunham. 
They have four children: Orpha, Carroll, Beryl, and Eva. 

Mr. Wallace lived with his parents until his marriage, then began farming for 
himself. He now owns forty acres, a part of the old Wallace farm, situated near 
Youngstown. He also farms other land adjoining. He has lived in this county all 
his life, with the exception of three years spent in Colorado. He is a Republican 
and a member of the M. W. A. 

JETHRO V. COULSON, a native of Brown County, Illinois, was born April 
IS, 1S37, being a son of Bethel and Elizabeth Coulson. He was married April 5, 
1860, to Lucinda Allison, daughter of Elijah and Mary Allison. They had seven 
children: Sarah Ellen, born February 14, 1861, died September 20, 1892; John L., 
November 22, 1862; James F., June 25, 1864; Elmer E., June 11, 1866; Alvars J., 
January 6, 1869; William H., April 3, 1871; Vianna E., June 3, 1873. 

Mr. Coulson owns a farm of 160 acres situated at Adair, Missouri, southwest 
quarter of section 32, township 63, range 13. He does general farming and makes 
a specialty of raising fine Poland-China hogs. Mr. Coulson came to Adair County, 
Missouri, in 1861, and has lived here since, except about four years. During the war 
he served three months with the Home Guards. He is a Republican. 

JAMES W. RILEY, son of James M. and Elizabeth A. (Morris) Riley, was 
born in Ross County, Ohio, January ">, 1S.")2. He was married January 28, 1877, 
to Nancy Thomj)son, daughter of John 'J'hompson. They have eleven cliildren: 
Elmer, born December 16, 1877; Maud, January 10, 1882; Jim, September 6, 1884; 
Homer, December 11, 1886; Dennie, June 29, 1888; Ollie, May 8, 1890; Pearl, Oc- 
tober 1, 1892; Elizabeth, October 4, 1894; Glen, December 16, 1896. 

Mr. Riley moved to Johnson County, Missouri, with his parents in 18.")9. There 
his father died in 1860, and in 1S61 he and his mother movetl to Schuyler County, 
where he lived and fai'med lill 18S4. He then moved to Adair County, where he has 
since liv(>d and b(>en engag(Ml in farming. At present he lives on one of the McCahan 
farms, one mile south of Stahl. He is a Rei)ul)lican and a member of (he I. O. O. F. 
lodge. Mrs. Riley belongs to the Holiness church. 



Bl()(iKAl'HI('AL. 



1103 








Residence and Barn of K. \V. Propst, 4 1-2 miles nortii of Brasliear 



1104 



The History of Adair County. 




James (dcccaspd) and Mary Iv Wallace, early Pione(>rs of Adair County , 
l)arents of Joliii II. \\aliace, near '\'oun}:;.'-t'>wn 



]-5l()(iHAI'III(AL. 



1105 




Attoincy P. J. Riejicr, KirksviDc 



1106 The History of Adair County. 

B. F. HEINY wa.s born in Carroll County, Indiana, Soptcnibor 15, 1845. 
Lived on a farm in that county until 22 years of age. 

Enlisted in Co. B. 142 Indiana Infantry, at Lockport, Indiana in 1S64, and 
served until the close of the war. After returning home from the army he attended 
school in Idaville, Indiana, for two years, and in the fall of 1867 he came tc Kirks- 
ville with Profs. Joseph Baldwin and F. L. Ferris and entered what is now the Kirks- 
ville State Normal School, September 1st, 18(>7, being one of the first students to 
enter the school. He attended the Normal a portion of the time during 1867, 1868, 
1869, teaching three terms of school, and doing some writing in the Couniy Clerk's 
office. Me accepted the position of Deputy County Clerk in 1869 and held the 
position untilJanuary 1st, 1875, when he entered on the duties as Clerk, having been 
nominated and elected without opposition. At the close of his term of office Jan- 
uary 1st, 1879 he bought what is now known as the Normal Book Store and soon 
after bought an interest in the Kirksville Journal and took editorial charge of the 
paper. The Journal and Book Store were managed by him until 1891 when he sold 
both properties to accept the Cashiership of the Union Bank, now The Nat ional Bank, 
which P. C. Mills and he organized. He remained with the bank as Cashier for 16 
years and in January 1908 retired from the bank and on the 1st of March of the same 
year accepted the position of Secretary of the Kirksville Trust Co. and in .Ajiril 1910 
was elected President and assumed the management of the Company. He is a 
member of the Board of Education and was for a number of years President of the 
Board. He has been three times Treasurer of the Board of Regents of the Kirks- 
ville State Normal School. He is President of the Journal Printing Co. of Kirks- 
ville, and is one of its largest stock holders. 

He is a republican, a Presbyterian, a Mason, a K. of P. and a member of Corpal 
Dix Post No. 22, G. A. R. 

ROBERT H. SAMUELS was born Aug. 6, 1854, in the southwest i)art of Adair 
County, Missoui'i, being a son of Robert and Margaret (Littell) Samuels. He was 
married Oct. 1875 to Teressa Lemon, who died in 1888. They had four children: 
Harley, born July 17, 1876; Hugh, Feb. 17, 1878; Carl, Dec. 17, 1880. He was 
again married, April 27, 1892, to May Selby, daughter of Joshua and Amanda Selby. 
They have two children: Cecil M., born Jan. 10, 1896; Nina M., born Feb. 8, 1902. 

ISIr. Samuesls moved to the place where he now lives, near Youngstown, when 
only a few months old, and has lived there continuously since, and been engaged in 
farming all his life. He owns a farm ofl60 acres, the old home place, and does gen- 
("lal farming and stock raising. 

WILLIAM F. PHILLIPS was reared on a farm about a mile north of where 
he now lives. He was born near Yarrow, Adair County, Missouri, February 2, 1868. 
He married Rosa Baker, October 7, 1907. SIk^ was lx)rn in Schuyler Couniy, March 
1, 1882, being a daughter of John and Caroline (Swagert) Baker. They ha\'e two 
chiklren: Beulah F., born September 19, 1908; Delma L., August 29,1910. 

.Mr. Phillips lived with his parents, James and Sophia (Anspach) Phillips, till 
grown. He spent six years hi Oklahoma before his marriage, and also lived in Macon 
County for a short time. Finally, in 1899, he returned to Adair County, anil in the 
following year bought his present farm.. It is situated one mile east of Yarrow and 
consists of 100 acres. He does general farming and stock raising. 

?Ie is a Republican and a member of the M. W. A. lodge. 



Bl(K5HAI'IIl('AL. 



1107 



o 



2. 




1108 



The History or Adair County. 




Residence of Robert H. Samvicls, "> miles southwe-^t of Kirksville 




Residence of \\ in. 1'. I'liillins, near Yarrow 



BuXilfAl'llU AL. 



1109 




1110 The History of Adair County. 

HON. JAMES T. LLOYD was born at. Canton, Missouri, August 28, 1857, 
l)cing a sjn of Jeiomiah and Frances Lloyd. He was married March 1, 1881, to Mary 
B. Graves, daughter of Thomas A. and Mary Graves. They ha<l foui- children: 
Oliver .1., now Cashier of the National Bank at Shelbina, Missouii; Thomas L.; 
Ethel Lee; and \\'illard P. The latter died at the age of four .years. 

Mr. Lloyd was reared on a farm in Lewis County, Missouri, attending the public 
schools of his neighborhood. He completed his acedemic education at the Christian 
l^niversity. Canton, Missouri. After quitting school, he servetl as Deputy Sheriff 
of Lewis County, and later as Deputy Circuit Clerk, spending his leisure time in 
reading law. In the meantime he was admitted to the bar at Edina, Missouri, in 
1882, and afterwards practiced his profession at Monticello for two years. In 1885 
he moved to Shelby ville, Shelby County, Missouri, where he engaged in the practice 
of law until 1897, when he was elected to Congress, as Representative from the P'irst 
Congressional District of Missouri, of which Adair County is a part. He still makes 
his home at Shelbyville, and has been elected to Congress eight times, six times with- 
out opposition in his party. Mr. Lloyd has. been highly honored by his colleagues 
in Congress, is cha'rman of Accounts Committee, also of the Patronage Connnitte, 
and is a member of Post offlice and Post Roads Committee. This is a recognition 
given to but three members of the House. He is also held in the highest esteem by the 
members of his party, and is now Chairman of the National Democratic Congressional 
Committee, one of the highest honors in the gift of the party. Mr. Lloyd is regard- 
ed as a man of the sternest integrity, as well as great ability. In all his campaigns 
he has received the hearty support of many of his constituents of opposite political 
faith. 

Mr. Lloyd is a Democrat in politics, and of the most aggressive and i)rogressive 
type. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of P., and M. W. A. fraternities, and 
at present is chairman of the Missouri Society at Washington, D. C. He is a member 
of the Methodist chiu-ch. 

MARGARET C. WELCH was born in Adair Co., Mo., a daughter of William 
and Bridget (Murphy) Welch. She was reared near Wilmathville, and has lived 
in this county all her life. She now owi:s a pretty home at Adair, where she now 
resides. Her father, William Welch, was a native of Ireland, where he was born March 
27, L8r2. He came to America when a young man, living in Kentucky till 1854. 
He then came to Adair County, Missom-i, and settled near ■\^'illmathville where he 
lived at the time of his death. 

ERBIN E. -SLOAN was born in Adair County, Missouri, near Kirksville, Nov. 
10, 18t)0, and is a son of Columbus J. and R(>becca (Thompson) Sloan. He was 
married April 26, 1892, to Flora B. Thompson, daughter of William C). and Cynthia 
(Harlan) Thomjjson. They had seven children, five <f whom arc living: Paul C, 
born Jan. 27, 1893; Audrey B., May 5, 1894; Bernie, April 9, 189(1, dicl Jan. 8, 1901 : 
Eugene, Nov. 8, 1897; Ruth, Aug. 26, 1900. One child died in infancy. 

Mr. Sloan was born and reared on a farm three miles west of Kirksville, living 
there with his parents till grown. Since his marriage he has been engaged in farming 
atul mining, and has made this county his home all his life. At present they own a 
ftirm of eighty acres, eight miles southwest of Kirksville. Mrs. Sloan is also a native 
of Adair County, and was born near Kirksville May :i, 1867. Mr. Sloan's parents 
were among the (>;',rlies1 settlers of Adair County, coming here from Kentucky in 1840. 



lilOGUAl'llICAL. 



1111 




Hon. Janus T. Lloyd, Shelbyville, Mo. 



1112 The History of Adaik County. 

WINFIELD SCOTT VAWTER is a inomber of one of the mo.>t famous families 
in the country, and can trace his ancestry back centuries before the Revohitionary 
War. The family originally went from France to England, where they played an 
important part in that country's history. In 1(S7.5 three brothers came from England 
and .settled in Massachusetts, later taking a prominent part in the affairs of that 
early time, their descendants doing much in shaping our country in its early history. 
Mr. Vawter is a direct descendant of one of these brothers. 

He is a son of William and Matilda Vawter and was born in .Shelby County, 
Mo., March 28, 1873. His father is a native of Iowa and servetl with distinction 
during the Civil War, in Co. G. Uth Mo. Cavalry. During this conflict his eyes 
were so badly injured that in later years lie became totally blind. In 1893 he went 
to live with his son, W. S. Vawter who was then at Brashear. On the removal of 
that gentleman to Trenton in the summer of 1909 he went with liim and still re- 
sides with him in that city. 

Mr. Vawter was educated in the public schools of Missouri and moved to .\dair 
County when small, settling at Brashear. He was engaged in the mercantile' bus- 
iness at Brashear for about five years, using his spare moments during that time in 
the study of law, his preceptor being Judge Blair. He was admitted to the bar in 
May 1899 and practiced successfully at Brashear until the summer of 1909 wlien 
he moved to Trenton. Mr. Vawter served several times as Mayor of Brashear. 
He is an ardent Republican and has always taken a deep interest in politics. He 
also takes a deep interest in lodge work and has held high offices in both the Masonic 
and Odd Fellow lodges. He is a student of literary and historical subjects as well 
as an able and well read lawyer. 

In the fall of 1910 Mr. Vawter was appointed City Attorney of Trenton and 
the following spring elected without opposition to succeed him.self. 

Mr. Vawter was united in marriage Oct. 28, 1908 to Miss Minnie Harnhart. 
They have one child, Wm. B., born August. l(i, 19(M). 

Mr. Vawter has been connected with the ]iublication c/f Violette's History of 
Adair County since the enterprise was started, and i,-; the "power behind (he throne." 
He is new the Treasurer of the company. 

NOAH C. LANE was born at New Boston, Linn Count}', jNIissriiri, Aug. 7, 
1870, being a son of John H. and Catherine T. Lane. He was married Oct. o, 1898, 
to Kathleen Clapper, daughter of William G. and Mary R. Clap]>er. 'i'licy have 
one child, Mildred Leone, born Dec. 28, 1899. 

Mr. l^ane was reared at the little town of New Boston, living at home with his 
pai'cnts til! ab( ut grown. He then learned the barber's trade, in which business 
he has been engaged almost continuously sinc(\ H(> worked and conducted shops 
in a inunber of places, and in 1904 came to Kirksville. For a number of years he was 
one of the proprietors of the Royal barber shop. In 1910 he quit this business on 
account of ill health, and went to work as special deputy for the Yeomen lodge in 
Arkansas, with headquarters at Fort Smith, later going to \'an Buren. 

Mr. Lane is a Democrat in politics and a member of the K. of P., I. O. O. F., 
.\. I', and \. M., M. W. A. and B. A. Y. fraternities. He is considered one of the 
l>est posted lodge men in this part of the country, and takes a deej) interest in all 
kinds of lodge work. He helped to organize the famous Woodmen drill team which 
won so many prizes in the State and District contests. 



BlOGKAI'HICAL. 



1113 




Attonie}' W. S. Vavvlcr, Trenton, Mo., Treasurer of Denslovv 
History Company 



1114 



•The History of Adair County. 




lilOCiHAlMlICAL. 1 1 15 

CHARLES N. TOLMAN was burn at Hountiful, Utah, Jan. 24, 1S(5<), a son 
of Judson H. and Sopliia (Merrill) Tolnian. His mother diod when he was about 
live years old, and he made his home .with his {grandmother till about eleven years 
old. He then went to Colorado and remained in that and adjoininjj; states till 1SS4, 
when he eame to Missouri, finally looatinji in Clinton Covuity. He att(>ndcd the 
jniblic schools of that section and took a special course in mathematics at the St.iic 
University at Columlii.i. lie tau{j;ht school in Clinton county .se\-er;d years, and was 
for three years principal of the schools at Plattsburg. Later he purcha.sed the Dem- 
ocrat-Lever, a newspaper at tliat place, which he conducted till- 1900. He then 
went to St. Joseph and engaged in newspaper work till 1904. Later lie was en- 
gaged in the same business at Sedalia, Boonville, Kirksville, and Trenton. In the 
fall of 1909 he rtMumed to Kirksville and took uj) the field work for Violette's History 
of Adair County. In August., 1910, the Denslow History Company was organized 
and he was made President and Field Manag(>r. He also docs some magazine and 
special newspaper writing. 

Mr. Tohnan was married May 24, 190S, to Minnie K. Murphy, daughter of 
W. S. and Mary E. (Waldron) Murphy. Mrs. Tolaman was boi-n at Grafton, \\'est 
Virginia, Nov. 23, 1884, and came to Kirksville, Missouri, with her parents when 
about fovn- years old. She was educated in the public schools, graduating from the 
Kirksville High School in the class of 1903. She then took the Latin Course^ of foui- 
years at the State Normal, graduating in 190o with the degree of Bachelor of Pedagogy. 
For five years she was a teacher in the Kirksville Public Schools, giving up that po- 
sition at the time of her marriage. Later she also took a course in shorthand and 
typewriting at the same institution, and has assisted in editing this history, writing 
the biogra]ihical sketches therefor. 

Mr. Tolman is a Democrat in politics, is a member of the K. of P. loilge, and he 
and his wife bf;th Iselong to the Christian church. 

JAMES H. REED was born March 12, 1868, in Sullivan County, Missouri, 
being a sen of R. L. and Jane Reed. He was mairied March 31, 1892, to Mary Powell, 
daughter of Charles and Sarah Powell. They have six children: Virgil F., born June 
29, 1893; Ottie June, June 20, 1895; Eva M., Dec. 8, 1896; Marie, July 12. 1901; 
Lenore, March 8, 1904; Alice E., March 9, 1910. 

Judge Reed was born and reared on a farm in Sullivan County, remaining there 
with his parents till about nineteen years old. He then came to Adair County, where 
he worked in the ccal mines for a number of years. Later, in addition to mining, he 
took up the occupation of farming, and now owns a farm of 142 acres, two miles 
southeast of StahL The land is not only excellent for farming, but is all underlaid 
with big veins of coal, only a small portion of it having been mined. 

Judge Reed served as Constable of Morrow township for two terms, ;ind in 
1902 was elected Justice of the Peace of that township, an office which he still liold^. 
He is a Democrat in politics and takes a great interest in public affairs. 

Mrs. Reed is a native of Adair County, and was born March 1.1, 1874. Her 
father and mother are both living, and make their home with her. Mr. Pow(41 was 
born August. 30, 1825, in Illinois, and came to Adair County in 1855. He was mar- 
ried to Sarah E. Beets Jan. 3, 1851. They had ten children, 9 of whom are living. 
Mrs. Powell was a native of Ohio, and was born January 4, 1831. 



1116 



The History of Adair County. 




C. X. Toimaii, President Uetislow History Company, Kirksville 



BlOGUAl'HlCAL. 



1117 




•,v i*v^| • ■; «Vf !?• '^ 




Mrs. C. N. Tolman 



1118 The History of Adair County. 

W. M. DENSLOW is ;i son of of the late Judge W. V. Denslow and was born 
in Grand}' County, Missouri, August 9th, 1858. His education was completed in 
Trenton High School. He was married May 22, 1880, to Callie Schooler, daughter 
of Wni. D. and MaUnda (Nichols) Schooler. Mr. Denslow is a newspaper man 
and a i)rofessional pliotographer. He was in the photograph business for six years 
at Macon, Mo., and March 29, 1911 he purchased the Grand Studio on the north 
side of the square, in Kirksville. In 1888 he took charge of the Grundy County 
Gazette and built that paper up to be one of the best country weeklies in north-west 
Missouri. During his residence in Macon for one year he edited the Macon Citizen, 
a paper owned by the late Col. Blees. In 1908 the News Publishing Co., a cor- 
poration with .^10,000.00 capital was organized in Trenton, Missouri and estab- 
lished the Trenton Dailey News. Mr Denslow was selected as its editor and 
manager, a position which he voluntary gave up nearly three years later, after 
that paper had succeeded in establishing the largest daily circulation of any news- 
paper in Grundy County. In August 1910 the Denslow History Company was 
organized at Kirksville to complete the history of Adair County, and since that 
time he has been secretary and office manager of that company. Mr. Denslow 
•represented Grundy County in the State Legislature from 1895 to 1899, and was 
in July 1898 appointed U. S. Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue for the First 
District of Missouri, and served until the Sjianish-American War tax was repealed. 
Mr. Denslow is a Republican in politics and a Methodist in religion and is a 
member of the Elks, Masons and R. A. M. and is a Knight Templar, having just 
retired from the position of Eminent Commander of Godfrey De'Boullion Com- 
mandery. No. 24 at Trenton, Mo. He is also a member of W. O. W. and B. A. Y. 

Mr. and Mrs. Denslow have one son Ray V. Denslow, who is a graduate of the 
Missouri State University and for the past year has been editor and manager of the 
Trenton Daily News, but who recently took a position in the Trenton postoffice. 
He is a prominent Mason and is past Eminent Commander of Emmanuel Commadery 
No. 7 at Macon, and Past High Priest of Trenton Royal Arch Chapter No. (i6. He 
was initiated into the mysteries of Ma.sonry the night of the day he arrived at his 
majority, the lodge waiting until after midnight to confer the degrees, that their work 
might be legal. 

JAMES B. KEPHART, son of John M. and Margaret (Legan) Kephart, was 
born in Johnson Covmty, Indiana, May 25, 1859. He was married June 29, 1879, 
to Minerva I. Young, daughter of John and Martha (Greenstreet) Young. They 
had six children: Alburtis W., born April 23, 1880; Verna May, September 4, 1882; 
died July 30, 1883; Edna Erna, February 27, 1886; John Edgar, April 10, 1888; 
Evah Irene, November 15, 1894; Aurel Buchanan, July 23, 1900. 

Mr. Kephart moved to Iowa with his parents in 1867. Two years later, in 1809, 
they came to Adair County, Missouri. He was then only ten years old. They set- 
tled at Old Paul Town, now Brashcar. Here he lived with his parents till grown. 
He then married, and in 1882 bought his present farm, where he has since lived. It 
consists of 200 acres, one and one-half miles northeast of Youngstown. He does 
general farming and stock raising. 

He is a Democrat, and a mciiihcr of the Christian church. 



BlOGUAFHICAL. 



1119 




W. -M. Denslow, Proprietor Granil StiuUo :uk1 .Si-cretary Dcii.slow 
History Company, Kirksville 



1120 



The History of Adair County. 




o 



BlOnKAIMIKAL. 1121 

THOMAS H. VANLANINGHAM was horn in Adair County, Missouri, n.-:ir 
Sloans Point, IX'C. 21, IS72, hcint!: a son of Thomas and llciuictla (Truill ) \'an- 
laninghani. Ho was married June 1, iiiO.'i, in I'aiuiic .M. Hcatty. daufilitcr ( f 'liioiuas 
anil Susan Bcatty. Tlioy have two children: Thomas Evcral, horn Apiil \'.i, ii, ().">; 
Leland 'Wayne, April 2:!, iilOi). 

Mr. Vanlaninjiham was born and reared on a fnrm near Sloans Point, rem; i: inji 
at home with his parents till strewn. Whtm ahoul iweniy-five years old he w( nt 
to C!r(>en City, where he was enjiajied in the iiirnitinv and undertakiiifi hnsimss, 
remaining till Aug., 1911. He then came to Kirksville, formed a parlnershij) with 
(!. \\'. Lehr, purchasing the Hennon-Stahl Kurniiure and Ihidertaking husiiuis. 
Their main furniture store is at 205 North Elson Street, and their undertaking parlors 
at 105 East Harrison Street. J. F. Waddill, a licensed emhahner, has charge of 
their unde.taking parlors. 

Mr. \'anlaningham belongs to an old-time family, liis fatlier coming hi re iVom 
Illinois in iS54 and remaining here till his death, Feb. 4, liKHi, Mr. N'anlaninuliam 
is a Republican and a member of the M. E. church. 

GEORGE V. LEHR was born in Sullivan County, Missouri, April !), iMi!), 
being a son of Lorenze and Margaret Lehr. He was married April 28, LS92, to 
Artha A. Davis, daughter of Harley P. and Nancy Davis. They have six children: 
Roma, born Sept. 23, 1893; Ralph, Oct. 24, 1895; Mabel L., Dec. IG, 1897: iMuil. 
May 9, 1903; Harold, Feb. 23, UKXi. 

Mr. Lehr was born and rearetl on a farm in Sullivan County, remaining at home 
till twenty-three years old. He then went to farming for himself near (^ueen City 
till 1898, then moved to Green City, where he engaged in the carpenter and contract- 
ing business and buying, shipping and breeding stock. He still owns a farm of 100 
acres near Green City and six acres within the city, with a nice home. Here he lived 
till Aug., 1911. At that time he came to Kirksville, and, in connection with Thomas 
H. Vanlaningham, purchased the Henncn-Stahl Furniture and Undertaking business. 
Tlieir undertaking parlors are at j 105 East Harrison Street, and their furniture stc-re 
at 205 North Elson Street. 

Mr. Lehr belongs to an old pioneer family of Sullivan County. He is a Democrat 
in ])olitics and a member of the Methodist Church. 

CHARLES S. DAVIS was born near Green City, Sullivan County, in 1807. 
He is a son of S. H. and Almira (Watt) Davis, both of his grandfathers and families 
settling there in the pioneer days of 1853. He attended the common schools of Sul- 
livan County, the Green City College, Kirksville and Warrensburg State Norn.als, 
ami the l^niversity of Chicago; taught in the country and town schools of Sidli\an, 
and was School Commissioner of that county for two terms. He spent his va.ca- 
tions in store, office, and bank work, and one year in Kansas as manager of a gent^ral 
merchandise store. He closed his work as a teacher at Edina, Missouri, being Sujjer- 
intendent of the Schools of that city for two years. In 1899 he went to Europe, 
spending a j-ear in school and travel. Returning he located in the banking business 
for himself at Winston, Missouri, where he remained until 1906, when he sold his 
bank and went to F^dina and took up the abstract business with John W. Ennis, 
familiarizing himself with laws, titles and contracts. Mr. Davis purchased the 
State Bank of Brashear, taking possession March 1, 1907. 

In September, 1901, he was married to MKss Leta Eimis, daughter of John W. 
and Jeanette Ennis. They have two children: Ennis, aged eight, and Jeaiu'tte, 
aged three. 



1122 



The History of Adair County 




Upper — Uiidortiikinii Parlors; Lower— Interior of Funiiturt' Department, 
Vanlaningliani iV: Lehr, Kirksville 



BlOGUAI'llICAL. 



1123 




C. S. Davis, Cashier State Bank of Hiashcar 



1124 Tio: History of Adair County. 

JACOB E. MORELOCK was horn and roared on tlic farm where he now hves. 
He has Uved there all his life, except a short time spent in Utah. He and iiis brother, 
Earl Morelock, own a farm of 100 acres, just east of the home place, also conduct 
the home jjlace of 200 acres. They are breeders of thoroughbred Percheron horses, 
having one of the best animals in Adair County and a fine jack. They also breed Short- 
Horn cattle, Poland-China hogs, Plymouth Rock chickens and Bronze turkeys. 

Jacob Morelock was born March 21, 1869, being a son of Enoch and Martha 
Morelock. He was married January 1, 1899, to Agnes Hunt, daughter of James 
and Mary Hunt. They had six children, four of whom died in infancy: Gerald 
Maxwell, born May 22, 1906; Marian Marie, January 17, 1911. 

Mr. Morelock is a Democrat and belongs to the I. O. (). F. and Masonic lodges. 

Morelock Bros., Wm. H. E. and Jacob E., own and have en their farm the Short- 
Horn bull "Scottish Favorite," and heifer "Sweet Butterfly No. 97111, Mammoth 
Jack "Custer No. 2881," and the Imported Percheron Stallion "Robuste No. 4080 
(60232)." 

ENOCH B. MORELOCK came to Missouri in 1842. His parents settled at 
Milan, Missouri, where hv livcnl till 1851. They then inoved to Adair County, going 
to a farm in the northwest part of the county, where Mr. Morelock has since lived. 
He has been engaged in farming all his life. He owns a farm of 200 acres, near the 
Henley Ranch, but has retired from active farming, his sons. Earl aiul Jacob, now 
running the farm. 

Mr. Morelock was born in Sullivan County, Tennessee, February 24, 1859, 
being a son of E. M. C. and Elizabeth Morelock. He was married June 14, 1860, 
to Martha Kelly, daughter of Jacob and Susan Kelly. Mrs. Morelock was born 
December 24, 1839, and died February 18, 1S98. They had seven children: B. 
Frank, born April 18, 1861, died November 8, 1897; Flora Estella, March 9, 1867, 
died February 21, 1898, was the wife of C. E. Hunter; Jacob E., March 21, 1869; 
Louis H., January 4, 1871, died July 28, 1872; Susan E., November 8, 1873, died 
March 22, 1890; William H. E., May 11, 1881. Infant son, born November 14, 
1864, died January 28, 1865. 

Mr. Morelock enlisted in Company B, 39th Missouri Infantry, in September, 
1864, being discharged in July, 1865. He saw much service in the South. 

E. M. C. Morelock, his father, was also born in Sullivan County, Tennessee, 
the date of his birth being December 9, 1809. He came to Missouri in 1842, and 
to Adair County in 1851. He was one of the pioneer newspaper men of the county 
and founded the Kirksville Democrat. He was the first representative in the Legis- 
lature from Sullivan County, serving thiee terms. He was the second county and 
circuit clerk of Adair County, the two offices being combined at that time. In this 
office he .s(>rved from 1855 to 18.59. He died in Adair County June 11, 1888. 

Enoch Morelock is a member of the Democratic party. 

JAMES F. ABERNATHY is a native of Adair County, Missouri, and was 
born in Xineveh townsiii]) May 5th, 1874, being a son of Jacob and Isabel Abernathy. 
He was married Aug. 1st, 1896 to Bird Hofifner, daughter of Jacob and Manda Hcffner. 
They have three children, Clyde age 14; Don, age 10;Jacob CJ., age 5. Mr. Abernathy 
was born in this county and spent his early life on the farm near Stahl. When grown 
he married and continued the occupation of farming, in which he is still engaged. 
At present he owns a farm of 128 acres near Stahl, and does general farming and 
stock raising. 

Mr. Abernathy is a rcpul)licau in ])oiilics and a member of 1he|M. W. of A. 



BuXiirMMIK AL 



1125 




'OoooCO 



Center — Jacob Morelock, the late ^ilajor E. M. C. Morelock, ]']arl 
Morelock, Emoch B. Morelock. lTp})er and lower — Thoroughbretl 
Stock belonsinji to Morelock Bros., near Henley Ranch. 



1126 The History of Adair County. 

DR. F. M. BARNES was born in A(l:iir County, Missouri, Nov. 2, 1857, \n''\n^ 
a son of Henry M. and Xancy \l. Barnes. He was married Jan. 10, 1889, to Olive 
M. Gabbert, daujjliter of Sylvester and America S. Gabbert. They have three 
children: Glen F., born Jan. 19, 1890; Monte E., Nov. 13, 1891; Beulah May Oct. 
10, 1894. 

Dr. Barnes was reared on his father's farm near Kirksville, Missovni, remaining 
at home until about seventeen years of age. He attended the public schools during 
the winter months and helped his father on the farm during the summer, .\fter 
taking a course in the State Normal School at Kirksville, he went to St. Louis and 
attended the Old American Medical College, from which institution he graduated 
with high honors in March 1885. At least twenty years of his practice he has con- 
ducted near the neighborhood where he was born and reared. He is still conducting 
his practice at Brashear, Mo. near the neighborhood where he was born and nnired. 
He is considered a very successful physician and an ideal citizen. 

Dr. Barnes is a Republican in politics, and belongs to the I. (). (). F. lodge. 
His wife belongs to the Rebekahs and the Royal Ne*ghbors. 

FRANK SHILLIG was born at Richmond, Iowa, January 24, 1859. He is a 
son of Peter and Anna Shillig. Mrs. Shillig, his wife, was formerly Mrs. Rose Granger, 
daughter of Perry and Nancy A. Lillard. They were married April 13, 1909. 

Mr. Shillig was reared on a farm and continued that occupation until a short 
time ago when he moved to Kirksville. He came to Adair County, Missouri, in 1904, 
and bought a forty acre farm south-east of Kirksville. He is now in the li\-ery bus- 
iness, j^roprietor of the Iowa Livery Barn. 

Mr. Shillig is a Democrat, a member of the Catholic church, and belongs to the 
Yeoman lodge. 

GEORGE REWARD was born in Bureau County, Illinois, in 1857, being a 
son of Licena and Thomas Heward. He came with his parents to Adair County, 
Missouri, when only two years old, and has made this his home continuously since, 
with the exception of five years spent in the irrigation district of North Platte, Nebr., 
and two j-ears in the mining bus iness at Leadville, Colorado. Mr Heward has 
always made his home on a farm near Sperry, where he still owns a tract of eighty 
acTes . It is splendidly improved and lie has a beautiful home. He is considered 
an up-to-date farmer and does general farming and stock raising. He is R(>i)ubli('an 
in politics, but does not affiliate with any lodges. 

ALLEN H. SHOUSE was born on a farm in Kno.\ County, Missouri, November 
21, 1855. He was married October 24, 1878, to Mary Vansickle, daughter of M'il- 
liam and Susan (Oldfather) Vansickle. They had nine children: Etta, born July 
8, 1880, now Mrs. John Wandell; Elisha W., born September 4, 1882; Walter E., 
October 4, 1884; Alva E., August 8, 1886; Iva A., November 24, 1888; Jesse E., 
February 3, 1891; George H., June 7, 1893; Bertha, November 10, 1898; Orel E., 
August 14, 1904. 

Mr. Shouse lived witli liis i)arents, George W.and Elizabeth (Rice) ; Sliouse, in 
Knox County, till thirteen years old, then moved with them to .\dair County and 
lived at home till grown. At present he owns a farm of eighty acres, six miles south- 
east of Gibbs. He rai.ses Polled-Angus cattle, Poland-China hogs, and fine Imrses. 
He does general farming and stock raising. He has farmed all his life. 

Mr. Shouse belongs to the Democratic i)arty. He is a member of the Bapti.st 
church and the M. W. A. lodge. 



]JlOC;UAl'llUAL. 



112/ 



cc 




1128 



The Histoky of Adair County. 




l^UxatAl'lIlCAL. 



1129 




1130 



The History of Adair County, 




St.-" 




BlOCHAPHICAL. 



ii:n 




John T. Waddill, County Clerk, and Family, Kirksvil'o 

Pictures of ehildrrn, Madfte, Mildred a;.d (Jkuii, 

were taken when 1hev were small 



1132 The History ok Adaiu (Orxiv. 

JOHN MAIJCK was born in 1851 in Mauck Port, Indiana, being a son oj' Fabric 
and Elizabeth iVlauok. He was married Jan. 20, 1878, to Harriet McPheeters, dau- 
ghter of WiUiam A. and Kitty J. McPheeters. They have two (children: Ancie M., 
born Nov. 15, 1878; Zee E., April 4, 1883, now Mrs. Chas. Church. Aiicic Mauck 
married Floy Moore of Brashear, Sept. 5, 1911. 

Mr. Mauck came to Adair County, Missouri, with his parents in 185S, .settling 
on the farm near the present town of Brashear, which he now owns. He has lived 
there continuously since coming here, and has always been engaged in farming. 
He has a splendid farm, situated three miles north of Brashear. His home is regard- 
ed as one of the prettiest farm residences in the county. His son, Ancie INI., makes 
his home with his father, and in recent years has had the management of the farm. 

ALFRED REYNOLDS was born near Willmathville, Adair County, Missouri, 
July IG, 1871, being a son of William B. and Ruth D. (Story) Reynolds. He was 
married Jan. 10, 1892, to Emma S. Brassfield, daughter of Dennis M. and Racheal 
Brassfield. Mrs. Reynolds was born in Adair County, July 1, 1874. They have 
five children: Lula M., born May 2, 1893; Stanley L., Oct. 12, 1895; Gertrude R., 
Nov. 12, 1898; Bessie L., Sept. 10, 1901; Roosevelt, June 27, 1904. 

Mr. Reynolds wasborn on a farm near Willmathville, and remained there with 
his parents till 1880. They then moved to Greentop, Missouri, where his father 
went into the mercantile business. He remahied there and assisted his father in the 
store till his marriage. At that time he returned to .\dair County and farmed for 
two years, then returned to Greentop, where he again worked in the store for three 
years . At the end of that time he again returned to this county and bought his 
present farm, where he has since lived. It consists of ninety acres four miles north- 
east of Speiry. He does general farming and stock raising. 

Mr. Reynolds is a Republican in politics, and he and his wife are members of 
the Bai)tist (Church. Mrs. Reynolds is a member of tlie Rebekah lodge. 

CHARLES BANKS was born in Lexington County, Missouri, Sept. 25, 187G, 
and is a son of \\'illiam and Asenath (Corning) Banks. He was married Dec. 20, 
1901, to E:tta Dille, daughter of David D. and Mary (White) Dille. They have two 
children: Joseph Eugene, born Jan. 26, 1908; Margaret Etta, Sept. 8, 1910. Mrs. 
Banks was born in Chariton Covmty, Missouri, Oct. 15, 1879. 

.Mr. Banks was born and reared on a farm in Lexington County, remaining 
ther(> till al)out twenty years old. He attended the public school and took a course 
at AvahjH College. He then taught country and village schools in that county for 
eight years. Then, in 1904, he came to Kirksville and entered the State Normal 
School. He took the full course, graduating in 1907, and also held the Libraiy Scholar- 
ship on(> year. From 1908 to 1910 he was principal of the Kirksville High School. 
In the summer of 1910 he took advanced work at the Normal and received the degree 
of B. A. That same year he was elected Superintendent of the Kirksville schools 
and was n^electeil in 1911. During the summer of 1911 he did po.st-graduate wtrk in 
the I'niversity of Wisconsin. In addition to his work as Sup(>rin1endeirl ( f the 
Kirksville Public Schools he teaches .some classes at the Normal. 

Mr. Banks is a member of the Masonic order, and lie and his wife belong to the 
Methodist Episcopal church. 



1'>H)(!1{A1'IIICAL. 



li:« 




Rpsidencc of John Mauck, 3 miles north of Brashear 




Residence of Ahied Reynolds, 4 miles northeast of Sperry 




u 




BlOGUAl'HICAL. 1135 

JOHN V. LEDFORD, son of E. B. and Polly Ledford, wus horn in (liven Comity, 
Tennessee, SepI ember Ki, 1840. He was married to Hannah liaciiman A])ril ;>, 
1864. To this union were born eifiht ehildren: Jacob, born Jan. 8, 1865; Mary, 
Dec. 9, 1866; George P., Feb. 23, 1869; John A., Oct. 20, 1871; Lillian Lee, July If)' 
1873; Thomas M., Feb. 3, 1875; Elizabeth A., Sept. 9, 1877; Silvina, Nov. 26, 1879. 

Mr. Ledford was one of the early jiioneers of this county, eoinins here when a 
small boy. He lived in tills county and fanned till his death, Feb. II, 1S!)1. On 
Sept. 17, 1864, he enlisted in the United States Army, .servinfi till July 19, I8()5. 
Mrs. Ledford was born in Sullivan County, Tennessee, Sept. 1, 1840, ;uid died at her 
home in this county April 25, 1,S90. Both she and Mr. Ledford were devoied memhets 
of the Presbyterian church, and had been for many y<'ars. 

JACOB LEDFORD, sou of John V. and llaiinali Ledford, was born in Adair 
County, Jan. 8, 1865. He was married May 2, 1911, to Mrs. Sarah Stoakes. 

Mr. Ledford was born and reared on a farm in the western part of this county, 
remaining at home with his parents till their death. The care of several of the young- 
er children then devolved upon him. He has lived in that part of the county and 
farmed and mined all his life. At present he owns a farm near Stahl, which is under- 
laid with big veins of coal, some of which has already been minc-d. 

GEORGE WASHINGTON WILLIS was born in Adains County, Illinois, 
March 16, 1858, being a son of George W. and Hettie (McGinnis) Willis. He was 
marrie<l June 4, 1881, tc Ida Gardner, daughter of Abner and Elizabeth (Heavlin) 
Gardner. They had ten children, seven of whom are living: William S., born April 
2, 1884; Clyde T., Oct. 25, 1887, died May 11, 1909; Sylvia M., July 29, 1888, died 
April 9, 1904; Victor, June 8, 1890, died June 21, 1897; Clarence A., Aug. 19, 1891; 
Alta O., June 16, 1894, now the wife of Marion Waggoner; Maud M., Oct. 12, 1898. 
Delta E., May 7, 1900; John H., Nov. 13, 1903; Levirra O., Nov. 2, 1904. 

Mr. Willis came to Adair County, Missouri, in 1865, settling in the north i)ait of 
the coimty. His father lived there till his death in 1881, his mother dying in 1891. 
He lived at home till about grown, and then married and continued the occupation 
of farming. He has been a farmer all his life, except one year, 1894, spent in the 
mercantile business at Millard. At present he owns a farm of 120 acres, three and 
one-half miles north-east of Connelsville. He does general farming and stock raising, 
handling fine horses, cattle and hogs and thoroughbred Shorpshire sheep. 

Mr. Willis is a Republican in politics and he and his family are members of the 
Baptist church. 

GILBERT SNEED was born in Knox County, Missouri, July 21, 1885, and is 
a son of G. W. and Mary Sneed. He was married Oct. 27, 1907, to Jennie Lind. 
They have two children: Stanley, born Jan. 8, 1909; Bernice, May 15, 1910. 

Mr. Sneed was born in Knox County, Missouri, but moved to Kirksville with 
his parents when only about ten years old, and has made this city his home since. 
When about grown he went into the electrical business, taking up and studying all 
lines of electrical construction, and becoming exceedingly i)rofici(>nt in his business. 
In 1905 he opened an electrical .supply house in Kirksville, which he still conducts. 
H(> does general electrical contracting and repairing, and carries a full line of electri- 
cal supplies. 

Mr. Sneed is a Democrat in politics and a meml)er of the K. of P. lodge. 



1136 



The History of Adair County. 




HcsidciU'o, Famil}', liarn and Horses of (J. W. Willis, 11 inik's tiortli- 
west of Kiri\svillc 



Biographical. 



1137 




J. E. Merolock aiui Family, o miles n;)rthwest of Stah! 




R. A. Slauson and P^amily, 1 inile ca^t of Triniiv 



1138 



The History of Adair County. 




Barns, Imported Horsos and Great Jack belonging to S. J. Miller, Kirks- 
ville. Mr. Miller in foreground in front of Barn 



Biographical. 



1139 



m !z; 



W 5c' 
2- o 



c 




1140 



The History of Adair County. 




BlOORAI'HICAL. 



1141 



M ^, 




1142 The History of Adair County. 

D. FRANK HAYDEN was born in Livingston County, Mo., Deo. 6, 1S68, and is 
a .son of B. B. and P]lizaboth A. (Wiseheart) Hayden. He was married Feb. 5, 1896, 
to Jessie E. Hubbell, daughter of George N. and Emma (Baker) Hubbell. They 
have cne child, Evard A., born April 29, 1904. 

Mr. Hayden was born and reared on a farm in Livingston County, remaining 
there with his parents till about grown. He attended the public schools, the Stan- 
berry Normal, and also took a course at the Gem City Business College. After 
graduating from the latter institution, he farmed in Livingston County for a few 
years, then went into the hardware business at Hale, Missouri, remaining there three 
years. He then returned to the occupation of farming, in which he continued till 
1903. At that time he came to Kirksville, where he has since resided. Soon after 
coming here he went into the monument business, in which he is still engaged. He 
recently added pneumatic tools for lettering and carving, having now one of the 
best equiped plants of the kind in North Missouri. He is a natural mechanic himself 
and also em])loyes an expert workman and a traveling salesman. 

Mr. Hayden is a Democrat in politics, a member of the M. W. A. lodge, and he 
and his family belong to the M. E. Church, South. 

DAVID M. PICKENS was born near Stahl, Adair County, Missouri, Dec. 27, 
1866, being a son of David R. and Martha J. Pickens. He was married Jan. 5, 1888, 
to Laura A. O'Bell, daughter of Nicholas and Philopena O'Bell. They have three 
children: Minnie, born July 29, 1891; Albert G., Feb. 14, 1894; Clarence C, Feb. 
12, 1906. 

Mr. Pickens was born and reared on a farm near Stahl. When about eighteen 
years old he left home and went to work in the mines at Stahl. He farmed and worked 
in the mines in that section till 1905, when he moved to Connelsville, Mo., where 
he has since lived atid been engaged in the mining business. 

Mr. Pickens is a Republican in politics, a member of the L (). (). F. lodge, in 
which he takes a deep interest. 

JOHN C. DYE, was born in Hancock County, Illinois, May 13, 1859, is a son 
of ^^'illiaHl tiiid Susan Dye. His wife was Emma Collop, daughter of Joseph and 
Rebeccn Collop. They were married December 25, 1881. They have on(^ child — 
Fannie, now Mrs. C. E. Vaughn. 

Mr. Dye moved to Adair County witli ])an'nts in 1866. He was reared on a 
farm in this county. He has an eighty acre farm six miles northeast of Kirksville. 
He has been a farmer all liis Hfe. He is Democratic in politics and belongs to the 
Methodist Church South, and the M. W. .\. lodge. 

DR. WILLIAM I. CAIN was born near Novinger, Missouri, on the old Cain 
homestead, Sei)leinber 14, 1871. He was married to Miss Charlotte Hoerrmann, Dec- 
ember 23, 1896. Mrs. Cain is a daughter of John and Christina (Hetzel) Hoerrmann. 
They have two children: Esteli \'., born Deceml)er 4, 1897, and Edith ()., April 29, 
1899. 

Dr. Cain lived at home till grown, and took a course in the American School of 
Osteopathy, graduating in 1899. He entered tlie practice at Benton Harbor, Mich- 
igan, remaining there ten years. He next went to Bar Harbor Maryland, where he 
lived t ill January 191 1 . On the death of his mother he returned to the old home, and 
is now liclping his father run the home farm. 



Rkxihaimiical. 



14:^ 




1144 The History of Adair County. 

EUGENE CRANDALL BROTT was born at Brookfiekl, Missouri, Oct. 24, 
ISISI, beinp; a son of Walter E. and Nettie E. Brott. He was married June 3, 1908, 
to Clara Fout, daughter of \V. G. and Ada P'out. 

Mr. Brott was born and reared at Brookfiekl, Missouri, receiving his education in 
public schools of that place, and graduating from the high school. His i)arents died 
when he was quite small, and he made his home with an aunt until about, nineteen 
years of age. He then started out to carve his own way, and for a few years worked 
at various occupations, finally going into the real estate business at that place. He 
continued in that business till March, 1905, when he went to St. Louis, where he 
accepted the position as Chief Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue for the Eastern 
District of Missouri. In the spring of 1911 he gave up that position and came to 
Kirksville, purchasing stock in the A. S. O. He was made Assistant Secretary and 
Treasurer, and after the death of Dr. Warren Hamilton, was promoted to Secretary 
and Treasurer, which position he now holds. 

Mr. Brott is a Republican in politics and takes a deep interest in public affairs. 
For a number of years, while living at Brockfield, he was Chairman of the Republican 
Central Committee of that county. He belongs to the F^lks lodge. 

CHARLES A. SMELSER was born at Calesburg, Illinois, March 3, 1S72, 
being a son of George and Adaline Smelser. He attended the public school of his 
neighborhood, comjileting his education at Knox Military Academy. After quit- 
ing school he served for six j'ears in the Gth 111. Inft., and three years in the Artillery, 
the last year as quartermaster. He also learned the painter's trade and was for 
several years in the employ of the C. B. & Q. R. R. Co. In 1907 he came. to Kirks- 
ville, where he has since resided. He worked at his trade here till the summer of 
1911, when he accepted the general agency for the Post Dispatch for this section, 

When the Kirksville Military Band was organized Mr. Smelser took a deep in- 
terest in it and was mainly responsible for bringing this matter to a successful issue. 
In recognition for his services in this regard he was made manager and drum major. 

Mr. Smelser is a Republican in politics, a member of the M. E. Church, South, 
and belongs to the M. W. A., Redmen, and M. B. A. lodges, for the latter being 
county deputy. 

JOHN A. BURCHETT was born in Adair County, Missouri, A])ril 1(5, IStiti, being 
a son of Benjamin and Onda (Wright) Burchett. He was married December 4, 1889, 
to Jane Bozarth, daughter of James Madison and Rachel (McPhetriilge) Bozarth. 
Mrs. Burchett is also a native of this county, born July 26, 1869. They have six 
children: Bertha Ethel, born September 6, 1892; Beulah M., April 17, 1895; Gail B., 
June 11, 1897; Charles, October 23, lS99;Verna R., November 13, 1905. The first 
child, born Sejjt ember 18, 1890, died September 23, same year.. 

Mr. Buchett lived on the farm in the west part of this county. Liberty township, 
till grown. Soon after his marriage he moved to Sullivan County, Missouri, where 
he remaincul (>ight yt^ars, engaged in farming. He then returned to this county, 
soon afterward buying his present farm where he has since lived. 'Jli(> farm con- 
sists of 200 acres, one-half mile east of old Ringo's Point. He is a l)reeder of Short 
Horn cattle, Poland-China hogs and fine horses. 

Mr. Burchett Is a member of the Democratic party and belongs to the .M. \\'. A. 
lodge. 



BlOGHAPHICAL. 



1145 




1146 The History of Adair County. 

JOSEPH MOTTER is a native of Adair County, and was born in an old lo}? 
house n(!ar the Chariton River, not far from the old Wash Conner mill, Dec. 7, 1851. 
He is a son of Judjie Noah and Susan (Dopendorf) Motter. He was married Jan. 10, 
1879, to Carrie E. Shoop. Mrs. Motter was also born in Adair County, May 3, 1859. 
She is a daughter of Philip D. and Frances (Shontz) Shoop. Mr. and Mrs. Motter 
had two children, one of whom is living: Clyde C, born Jan. 10, 1880, died Sept. 18, 
1910; Noah P., March 27, 1882.. 

'Mr. Motter moved with his parents to a farm near Connelsville when a small boy, 
where he was reared. He lived at home and assisted in conducting the farm till his 
marriage. He then moved to his present farm, just north of the old home place, 
where he lived continuous!}', with the exception of a few years, until coming to Kirk- 
sville. In 1906 he retired from active farming and moved to this city where he ha.s 
since lived. He turned the management of his farm over to his sons, still retaining 
a supervisory interest. After the death of his son Clyde the management devolved 
on his other son, Noah P., who is now married and lives on the old home place. The 
farm is regarded as one of the best in Adair County, and consists of 320 acres, one and 
one-half miles east of Connelsville. After the death of his father Mr. Motter pur- 
chased the interest of the other heirs in this tract, and it now all belongs to him. The 
southern part of the farm, on which was located the old Motter home, is owned by his 
brother William Motter. Both Mr. and Mrs. Motter beling to early pioneer families, 
sketches of their parents being given in another part of this work. 

Mr. Motter is a Democrat in politics, and his wife belongs to the Presbyterian 
church. 

JAMES M. THRELKELD is a native of Schuyler County, Missouri, born 
December 8, 1865, a son of Thomas J. and Jane Tlirelkeld. He was married Oct. 
13, 1887, to Emma E. Hoimsom, daughter of Walter and P>ances Hounsom. They 
had four children: Archie L. , born March 4, 1889, now a teacher in the Kirksville 
Higli Sshool; Ombra Maude, April 7, 1891; Curtis H., March 17, 1895; Harold 
H., October 30, 1905. 

Mr. Threlkheld was reared on a farm in Schuyler County, attending the public 
school and the Wiestern Normal College at Shenandoah, Iowa. He then engaged 
in teaching for five years, also farmed for a short time. He then went into the drug 
business at Lancaster, which he abandoned in 1891 on account of ill health. He 
next went into the life-insurance business. In 1906 he came to Kirksville, Missouri, 
where he has since lived. He is a democrat and a memb(>r of the Methodist Episcoj)al 
church. 

ISAAC CAFFS was born in Granger County, Tennessee, March 19, 1837, being 
a son of David and Barbara Capps. He was married June 17, 1860, to .Amanda 
Lay, who died May 20, 1870. He again married Oct. 27, 1872, to Mrs. Stu-ah Truitt , 
formerly Mi.ss McPhetridge, daughter of William and Minerva McPhet ridge. By 
the first marriage there were .six children, three of whom are living: John G., Caltha, 
now Mrs. Hiram Dixon; Marion. By the present there are six children living, 
one dead; William; May M., now Mrs. Lon Price; Jonah; Jesse; George; Bert. 

Mr. Capps came to this county with his parents in 1844, settling near Novinger, 
on the farm now owned by Mr. Capps. He has lived there continuously except a 
short time during the war, when he was in Iowa. He has always followed the occup- 
ation of farming. At, present he owns a farm of 360 acres, two and onc^-half miles 
west of Novinger. 

Mr. Capps is a Democrat in j)olitics and a member of the Baptist church.. 



BlOCKAPHICAL. 



1147 



mam^m^'i.r : 



^ ^\M>i.^ii^¥^'Jl.ir'JiJt.i,xka- ■fc-3ES>i 




Countn^ Residence, near Connelsville; City Home, Kirksviile, and sons 
Clyde (deceased) and Noah P., of Joseph Molt or, Kirksville 



1148 The History of Adair County. 

CLYDE CARDER was born in Knox County, Missouri, November 6, 1883. 
He is a son of Harrison B. and Helen Carder. He was united in marriage, August IS, 
1904 to Bessie Buford, daughter of J. A. and Alice Buford. They have three children: 
Edna, born July 15, 1905;James, June 15, 1907; Leo, May 15, 1909. 

Mr. Carder worked at railroading for a time after he was grown, then went to 
Edina, and engaged in the automobile business. He remained there till November 
1909, when he came to Kirksville and ojiencd up a garage and auto sales room in 
connection with his cousin, Archie Carder. They handle the Studebaker, including the 
E. M. F. 30 and Flanders 20, Michigan, Auburn. They are expert chauffers and 
mechanics as well as salesmen. They conduct a repair shop and carry auto supplies. 

Mr. Carder belongs to the Elks lodge. 

ARCHIE CARDER son of Issac and Axie Carder, was born in Knox County, 
Missouri, October 27, 1881. He was reared on the farm in Knox County, remaining 
at home till 1906. He then went to railroading. In 1909 he came to Kirksville, 
where he went into the automobile business with his cousin, Clyde Carder. The 
firm is known as the Carder Auto Co. Mr. Carder is unmarried. He belongs to the 
Elks lodge. 

WILLIAM QUINN w^as born at Burlington, Vermont, October 9, 1852, being 
a son of Matthew and Mary A. (Kelley) Quinn. He was married April 19, 1887, to 
Margaret Killday, daughter of Micheal and Ann (O'Conner) Killday. They have nine 
children: Clara, born March 13, 1888; Mamie, February 15, 1890; Edward, Nov- 
ember 9, 1892; Albert, December 11, 1894; Constance, January 1, 1896; Matthew, 
May 11, 1898; Willie and Margaret, twins, born May 21, 1900; Ray, September 25, 
1903. 

Mr. Quinn moved to Adair County, Missouri, in March 1871. He has since 
lived and farmed in this county. He now owns 132 acres of good land, situated 
about 4 miles east of Sperry. He does general farming and stock raising.. 

He is a Republican in politics and a Catholic in his religion. 

GEORGE P. LEDFORD was born in Adair County, Missouri, Feb. 23, 1869, 
being a son of John \. and Hannah (Bachman) Ledford. He was married Oct. 8, 
1888, to Lizzie O'Bell, daughter of Nicholas and Christina O'Bell. They have three 
children: Eldridge V., born Feb. 3, 1890; Alva, Feb. 8, 1891; Ollie, Sept. 10, 1892. 

Mr. Ledford was born and reared on a farm just north of Stahl, the same farm 
which he now owns and on which he now lives. Here he has lived all his life and 
been engaged in farming. He now owns a tract of seventy acres near Stahl. His 
lanfl is all underlaid with heavy coal beds. 

JONATHAN O. SHUMAKER was born March 9, 1856, and reared on a farm 
near Millard, Adair Covmty, Missouri. He was married to Louisa Cavett, and they 
have one child — Albert. He livetl with his parents, Adam and Louisa (Holman) 
Shumak(>r, till grown, then went into the carpenter and contracting business, working 
a munber of years at Kirksville. He continued in that business till 1894, then bought 
his present farm. After living and farming there four years, he leased the land and 
went to Oklahoma. There he spent five years, being in Kansas part of the time, 
working at carpentry. He then worked a while at Kirksville, returning again to his 
farm in 1907, where he has since lived. The farm consists of seventy-nine acres, 
two and one-half miles northeast of Gifford. 

He is a Democrat, a member of the Christian Church, and belongs to the M. W. 
A. lodge. 



Biographical. 



1149 



c 




1150 The History of Adair County. 

WILLIAM E. SHIRLEY was born at Willmathville, Adair County, Missouri, 
but moved with his parents to Greentop when small, living there till grown. He 
attended the public schools and the P'irst Disrrict Normal School at Kirksville, grad- 
uating at the latter institution in 1898. He then taught school seven years, in the 
meantime reading law, and was admitted to the bar in 1902. He practiced at Brashear, 
Missouri, then at Novinger, remaining there till he was elected prosecuting 
attorney in 190f). After serving one term he was appointed assi.stant claim attorney 
for the (). K. railroad, which position he still holds, having his headquarters at Kirk.s- 
ville. 

Mr. Shirley was born November 2, 1874, a son of George A. and Martha J. Shir- 
ley. He was married March 27, 1910, to Jessie Nicholas, daughter of Henry and 
McCallay Nicholas. 

ft He is a Republican, and belongs to the Masonic order, being a member of the 
Chapter and Commandery. 

HERBERT T. WILSON is a native of this county, aiul was reared on a farm 
near Brashear, Missouri, coming from one of the oldest families in this part of the 
State. He was born September 11, 1871, a son of James W. and Harriet E. (Tipton) 
Wilson. He was married October 1, 1902, to Mary I. Murfin, daughter of John W. 
and Matilda A. (Peterson) Murfin. They have no children. 

Mr. Wilson belongs to the family for which Wilson township was named. The 
family came to this county in the early thirties. He lived with his parents till twenty, 
then came to Brashear. For five years he clerked in the store for James Milstead. 
He was also with E. E. Black in the mercantile business, then with C. A. Chadwick 
in the lumber and hardware business. In August 1909 he formed a partnership 
with R. L. Milstead and Son in the general merchandise business, in which he is 
still engaged. 

He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and the Masonic orders, belonging to the 
Royal Arch and Commandery. 

DR. JAMES C. NUNN was reared on a farm in Pike County, Mis.souri. He was 
born March 11, 1865, in that county, being a son of Walter G. and Anna (Robinson) 
Nunn. He was united in marriage December 27, 1897, to Kate McGinnis, a native 
ofMontgomery County, Missouri. She was a daughter of Erasmus and Fannie 
(Berger) McGinnis. They have no children. 

Dr. Nunn attended the public schools and the Pike County College, also took 
a course at the Watson Seminary, at Ashley, Missouri. He taught school in Pike 
County six years, reading medicine in the meantime. He then attended the Hos- 
pital Medical School at Louisville, Kentucky, graduating in 1894. He was appoint- 
ed interne at th(> asylum at Fulton, remaining there three years, when he came to 
this count \-. pruct icing at Stahl and Novinger since that t ime. At present he is located 
at Novinger. 

For several years he owned drug stores at Stahl and Novinger, but devoted his 
attention to his practice, hiring managers to run the stores. Since his graduation 
h(> has done much clinical work at St. Louis and also took one year's post-graduate 
course at that place. During the time Mr. Folk served as Governor, Dr. Nunn was 
a member of the board of managers of the asylum at Fulton, Missouri. 

He is a D(>inocrat, and a member of the Masonic, Elks, K. of P. and M. W. A. 
lodges. 



Biographical. 



1151 




Residence and Barn of James Young, near Millard 



1152 



The History of Adair County. 




Biographical. 1153 

WELLINGTON S. HALLADAY was horn i!i Lc(>(ls County, Ontario, Canada, 
Aug. 14, 1S43, a son of Hainuol and Sarali Ilalladay. He was married Nov. 10, 1S73 to 
Mary Draper, (iaught.(>r of Copeiand and Mary Draper. They luui five children, 
four of wliom are Uvirig: Chvr(>n('(> born July, 1S74, died October 13, 1.S7S; Theron, 
December 2, 1878; Chnton, November 17, 1SS3; Ethel (now Mrs. Albert Arnold,) 
and Mabel, twins, August 14, 1889. 

Mr: Halladay came from Canada to Adair Comity, Missouri, with liis i)areiits in 
1869, settling on a farm five miles east of Kirksville. He lived there and assisted in 
conducting the farm till his marriage, then going into the dairy business with his father- 
in-law near Bullion, in which he coutimuHl several years. He then moved to Kirksville, 
where he engaged in the grocery business six years. He was also Marshal of Kirks- 
ville for about two years. At the end of that time he returnetl to farming, in which he 
continued about eleven years. Returning to Kirksville, he and his son, Clinton, 
bought their present blacksmith and wagon shop, at 122 East Harrison Street, which 
they have since conducted. 

Mr. Halladay is a Rei)ublicaii in ))olitics and a member of the Hapti.vt Chiin-h, 

THADEUS W. BO/ARTH was born September 20, 183(3, in Adair Count\-, 
Missouri, being a son of Andrew Bozarth. He was married October 12, 1862, to 
Elizabeth Spivey. They had seven children : Nancy, now the wife of George Anderson ; 
Cynthia, the wife of S. E. Snyder; Julia, wife of Grant Burchett; William O.; A. J., 
twin of William O.; James John. 

Andrew Bozarth, father of Thadeus 'W. Bozarth, came to Adair County in 1830 
with his brother Hiram. They were originally from Kentucky, moving to Howard 
County, Missouri, in the early part of last centuiy. 

REV. C. C. CUNNINGHAM was born in Pitman, Arkansas, Ajiril 3, 188."), 
being the son of Rev. O. H. L. and Laura T. Cunningham. He was united in marriage 
June 10, 1909, to Gertrude Bewick, daughter of S. C. L. and Alice Decker Bewick. 
To this union was born one child — Chester Bewick, born December 23, 1910. Mr. 
Cunningham was for a time pastor of the Baptist church, at Novinger, Missouri. 
He is a member of the K. of P. lodge. In connection with his pastorial duties he 
edited the Novinger Record for a few months. In the fall of 1910 he gave up his 
work there and entered the State Normal School at Kirksville, where he is now a 
student, often preaching at vaiious places. 

JUDGE CHARLES LYMAN LEWIS was born at Candor, Tioga County, New 
York, July 26, 1839, being a son of Asahel and Abigail E. Lewis. He was married 
Dec. 2.^, 1883, to Minnie E. Shott, daughter of Jacob and Jane E. Shott. They have 
no children living. One child, Elsie Jane, born Dec. 15, 1884, died in 1885. 

In 1847 Mr. Lewis emigrated to Illinois with his parents, settling at Newark, 
Kendall County, where he obtained a common school education. He taught school 
and clerked in a store, alternating between the two callings for two or three years, 
then read law at Ottawa, with Cook, Glover and Campbell, being admitted to prac- 
tice in 1864. He then returned to Newark and for two years served as prosecuting 
attorney for that city. In 1867 he came to Kirksville, Adair County, Missouri, and 
entered the practice of his profession. He was City Attorney from 1877 to 1879, and 
was elected Probate Judge in 1882, serving four years, then re-elected to the same office. 

Mr. Lewis is a Republican in politics, taking quite an active part in jiublic affairs. 
He is an active member and earnest worker in the Methodist Episcojial Church. 



1154 The History of Adair County. 

CHARLES H. WRIGHT was born in Adams County, Ohio, Feb. 7, 1860. He 
was married Sept. 12, 1879, to Mary Gurthrie. They had ten children, eight of whom 
are Uving: Ola, now Mrs. D. M. Newman; Roscoe, pastor of the M. E. Church at 
Hannibal, Missouri ;Dr. J. E., a dentist at Kirksville; Albert E., a farmer at Lipscomb, 
Texas; Earl, now dead; Lottie; Cecil; Lloyd; Dorsey. One child died in infancy. 

Mr. Wright was born and reared on a farm in Ohio, remaining there with his 
parents till grown. He then married and farmed for one year in Adams County. 
At that time he moved to Iowa, where he engaged in farming till 1902, when he came to 
Adair County, Missouri. He bought a farm of 400 acres near Bullion. He owned 
and conducted that farm till the spring of 1911, when he moved with his family to 
Hereford, Texas, having sold his farm. He is still engaged in farming, and owns a 
tract of 320 acres near Hereford. 

Mr. Wright is a Republican in politics, and belongs to the L O. O. F., Yeoman and 
M. W. A. fraternities. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

JOHN C. WEAVER, deceased, was born in Bedford Co., Pa„ Jan. 18, 1813. He 
was married at the age of twenty-seven to Barbara Switzer. They had nhie children: 
Mary J., William S., Frederick S., John H., Maria I., James K., three children dying in 
infancy. Mrs. Weaver died in 1859, and he was again married in March, 1862, to 
Mrs. Nancy Fretz Bailey. They had five children: Hattie L., born Nov. 3, 1868, 
now Mrs. A. F. Grassle; Ollie D., June 20, 1870, now wife of Dr. George Prewitt; 
Ella M., Jan. 5, 1874, now the wife of Frank M. Davis;Samuel W., Aug. 23, 1863; 
Joseph C, April 16, 1865. Mrs. Weaver, his second wife, was formerly the wife of 
James Bailey, by whom she had three children: G. W.; James O.; Mary L 

Mr. Weaver came to Missouri in 1866, settling in Cooper County, where he re- 
mained three years. He then came to Adair County, where he resided till his death. 
He was killed in the cyclone at his home in Kirksville, April 27, 1899. He was engaged 
in farming near Kirksville till a few years before his death, when he retired and moved 
to this city. He was a widely known and public-spirited citizen, highly esteemed by 
all who knew him. 

JUDGE NATHANIEL M. SHELTON was born in Troy, Lincoln Covmty, Mo., 
March 17, 1851. He was educated in the public school of his native county; then 
attended Parker Seminary at Troy; from there he went to William Jewell College, 
Liberty, Mo., completing his education at the State L^niversity at Columbia. He 
was admitted to the !)ar in 1875, practicing at Macon, Mo. In 1884 he was elected 
to the Legislature, serving in the the Thirty-third General Assembly as Chairman of 
the Committee on Education. In 1886 was re-elected in the succeeding Legislature, 
was Chairman of the Committe on Criminal Jurisprudence. In 1888 he was elected 
senator from the Seventh District, and served four years, being Chairman of the 
Committee on Judiciary. In 1898 Judge Sh(>lton was elected Circuit Judge of the 
Second District, of which Adair County is a part, and re-elected in 1904, and again 
re-elected in 1910 for a term of six years. 

Judge Shelton was married November 21, 1878 to Belle Garges, of Lancaster, 
Mo. They make their home at Macon. He is a Democrat in politics and takes a 
dee]) interest in jniblic affairs. He is regarded as one of the great lawyers of the 
State and has been mentioned for the Supreme Bench. 



Biographical. 



1155 




Residence of Judge S. F. Stahl, Kirksville 




Former Residence of C. H. \\'right, near liullioii 



1156 



The History of Adair County. 




« 



^ 




u 



^'"' ■ >' 




Biographical. 1 1 o? 

HADLEY M. HENLEY is ;i native of Iowa, born near I)av('ii|)()il, iM'hniary 
26, iS'y.i. His parents \v(>re Jesse L. and Sarah Henley. He attended (iriswold 
College at Davenport, then the Iowa State University. After leaving that college 
he studied law, then entered the practice at Davenport. He continued the practice 
about ten years, then took up also the loan and brokerage business, iti which he is 
still engaged. His home is still at Daven])ort, although h(> spends a portion of his 
time at the Henley Ranch, which is partly in this county. 

Mr. Henley was married May 28, IS78, to Ella Van Fleet, daughter of John 
R. Van Fleet. They had three children, two of them are living: Nellie, l)()rn Oct. 
1, 1879, died July 12, 1907; Jesse V., December 2.'), 188(i; Louise, now Mrs. J. J. 
Vrooman, born November 30, 18SS. 

Henley ranc-h is one of the few large agricultural operations whicli is managed 
on strictly business princi])les and one which furnishes many jjractical illustrations of 
scientific farming. The ranch is situated in Adair, Putnam and Sulli\an counties, 
the main buildings, offices etc. all being in Adair, and consists of 8,000 acres of which 
2,500 acres are under cultivation. A four year rotation of corn and cowpeas, oats 
and clover is being practiced, with a catch crop of rye after the coin and cowpeas 
for the late fall and early spring pasture. Other crops, such as rape, kale, vetches, 
mangles and field peas are grown to supply various feeding demands. A field of 
alfalfa is under experiment. "Headquarters" and all the main buildings are (centrally 
located. For the purpose of management the land is divided into farm units, each 
devoted to its particular line of stock and to the raising of crops best adapted to 
that particular farm unit. The ranch is all under fence, practically all being 4S-inch 
woven wire, with one barbed wire in top. In all, there is considerable in excess of 
100 miles of this kind of fencing on the place. The ranch was started about 12 years 
ago, when H. M. Henley of Davenport, la., purchased several himdred acres of land 
in the north pait of his present holdings, with the intention of raising sheep on 
an extensive scale. Land adjoining on all sides was afterwards purchased until it 
now embraces the large area mentioned. It was not until within the past two years 
that plans were perfected for a ranch devoted to the breeding of pure bred stock. It 
is now, perhaps, the most complete breeding establishment in this part of the country, 
and the improvements made are a credit to the owners and managers and should be 
the pride of the people of this section. The ranch is managed by Mr. Henley's son, 
J. V. Henle}', and his son-in-law, J. J. Wooman. At ''headquarters" are three res- 
idences for the use of families taking care of the general work of the ranch. The other 
families live on the respective farm units. All the employes are under the direct 
supervision of the superintendent, C. H. Deacon, who is assisted by a foreman. The 
stock handled consists of purebred Shropshire sheep, Poland China hogs, Percheron 
horses and Jersey cattle. They have what is conceded to be one of the greatest 
flocks of Shropshire sheep in the world, having all told about 1,500 head, 500 of which 
are imported, making it the largest imported flock in North America. At the head 
of the flock is the 1910 International champion ram together with many other im- 
ported prize-winning rams and the 1910 International champion flock. The sheep 
are divided into flocks from 75 to 200 head. Each flock is located at the respective 
sheep farm units, all of which are under the direct care of the Englisli shepherd, P. E. 
Wilcox. The Poland China hog unit is ideally equipped in every respect . It is com- 
posed of a large central hog house of cement and steel, surrounded by numerous 
small farrowing houses and their adjacent crop pastures. The central hog house is 
so arranged and heated that the pigs are farrowed during the coldest winter months. 



1158 The History of Adair County. 

This entire plant has a capacity of 1,000 hogs a year, all of whom are purebred Poland 
Chinas, the most typical of which are sold or retained as breeding stock and the others 
fattened for market. The Percheron herd is especially fine, being composed of horses 
which were awarded prizes at the leading live stock shows of the country. The 
stallion at the head of the herd. Matador, is a beautiful black 3-year-old, sired by the 
International champion Calypso. Matador has, perhaps, won more prizes than any 
other American bred horse of his age. The Jersey herd is maintained particularly to 
furnish dairy products to the employes and their families. A milk and butter fat 
record is kept of each individual and whenever a cow proves unprofitable she is 
eliminated from the herd. The Missouri mule is given a place alongside the pure bred 
live stock. About 50 of the best class of mules are utilized for the heavy hauling and 
road work, and 50 other younger mules are raised and kept to replace the mature work 
mules which are sold when about five years old. At "Headquarters" are about 30 
buildings which impress one as being a busy little village with its houses, office build- 
ing, barns, silo, machine shop, garage, sheep and hog houses, etc. Near headquarters, 
on a sightly hill overlooking the valley is one of the prettiest bungalows in this part 
of the state, which is modern throughout. 

Within the past year a considerable sum has been spent for mi^rovements. 
They are not only building fences erecting buildings, bridges, etc., but are doing very 
extensive work on the public roads, not only for their own benefit, but for the con- 
venience of the general public, as well. They are now building a bridge across 
Spring Creek and opening up a new road through their place to Greencastle. 

Both the managers studied agriculture at the state university and their enthus- 
iastic efforts for better farming are winning them success and helping to furtlier 
Missouri's name as the home of live stock of international reputation. 

PROFESSOR J. D. WILSON is a native Missourian and was born in Howard 
County Aug. 22, 1862, being a son of David and Sarah Wilson. He spent his early life 
on a farm in that section, attending the public schools of his neighborhood. He then 
took a course at the State Normal School, at Kirksville, and entered the profession of 
teaching. He was elected superintendent of schools at Cameron, Missouri, and 
served three years. He then resigned and entered Ann Arbor University. After 
completing his course there he accepted the position of superintendent of schools 
at Sedalia, Missouri, serving in that capacity nine years. Giving iij) his position there 
he took a special course at the Missouri State University, and upon completing his 
work there he came to Kirksville znd accepted a professorship in the State Normal 
School. He has been with this institution for the past eight years, having charge 
of the department of Psycology and Theory of Education. Professor Wilson is re- 
garded as one of the strong men of the state and one of the great psycologists of the 
West. He is also a great hypnotist and mind-reader and frequently gives public 
entertainments to demonstrate the principles of these subjects. 

Professor Wilson was married to Clara Carroll June IS, 1890, a daugliter of W. S. 
and Volumnia Carroll. They have six children: Edna, born March 12, 1892; Mabel, 
Feb. 18, 1894; Clara and Carroll, twins Nov. 5, 1898; John, June 7, 1902; Samuel, 
Mart^h 13, 1908. Professor Wilson is a Republican in politics, a member of the Ben 
Hur and Yeoman lodges, and he and his family are members of the Christain Church. 



Biographical. 1159 

PETER J. SUBLETTE, a pioneer of Adiar County, came of a hardy stock, 
French Huguenots, who left France and came to America that they might enjoy 
undisturbed their pohtical anil rehgious convictions, settling in Virginia, then a new 
country. Later they moved to Mailison Coimty, Kentuciky, where Peter J. (Sublette 
was born March 11, 1818. When sixteen years old his parents moved to Coles County, 
Illinois, and with other pioneers began the developement of that rich farming section. 
When war was declared against Mexico he enlisted in his country's cause, and saw 
much hard service, remaining to the close of the conflict that added an emjiire to his 
country's domain. When the war closed, he returned to his Illinois home and soon 
after located in the vicinity of St. Louis, where William Sublette, and his brothers 
noted Indian fur traders, had settled. Here he was married to Sarah H. Warfield 
November 2, 1848. Six years later they sold their jiossessions in St. Louis county and 
came by wagon to Adair County, locating on the farm near Sublette, which has ever 
since been the family home. Here he and his faithful wife labored hand in hand and 
developed from the virgin praiiie one of the finest farms in Adair County. They were 
ardent supporters of schools and churches, and Mr. Sublette took the lead in build- 
ing the first church and school house combined, erected in the northern part of the 
County. They were the parents of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters, 
eight of whom, six sons and two daughters are now living. 

Sarah R. Warfield Sublette was born in Warfieldsburg, Maryland April 16, 1828, 
and was a daughter of George and Sarah Warfield, her father being a member of the 
widely known Warfield family of Maryland. Mrs. Sublette was a cousin of ex- 
Governor Warfield of that state. Her parents moved from Maryland to Illinois in 
1838, and later located in St. Louis County, on the Old Manchester Road. Here she 
resided until her marriage with Mr. Sublette. She was a woman of great strength 
and refinement of character, and in the trials and hardships incident to building a 
home in a new country for a large family of children was the enthusiastic helper and 
wise counselor of her husband. 

Their children are George W.; James M.; Thomas E.; Miriam R.; Sarah R.; 
Wilham H.; Reuben H.; Daniel W.; Mary E.; Willard J.; and Warren F. Of 
these James M. and Sarah R. died in childhood, and Willaim H. January 18, 1901. 
The children who reached the years of maturity were educated in the public schools and 
the Kirksville Normal School some of them holding post-graduate diplomas from that 
institution 

Of the children Daniel W. and Mary E. reside on the old homestead, near Sub- 
lette, which they own, and where they were born. To this homestead they have 
added until they now have a beautiful and finely improved tract of nearly six hundred 
acres. In addition to their course at the Kirksville Normal School they are both 
graduates of the Kirksville Business College. Daniel W. Sublette has been a life-long 
farmer. He handles stock successfvilly, keeping nothing on the farm in the stock 
line but the best. lie makes a speciality of Shorthorn Cattle. He is an Odd Fellow, 
Modern Woodman, Rebekah, and a member of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. 
Peter J. Sublette died October 24, 1899, in the eighty-second year of his age, closing 
a long life of industry and integrity, one that left its impress on the community for 
good. 

Sarah Warfield Subeltte died March 10, 1904 at the age of nearly seventy six 
years. 



1160 



The History of Adair County. 










^^>^1*A 



^/f^ 



I 



Vk, 




Residence and Scene on Farm of D. W. Sublette, near Snl)lette 



Biographical. 



1161 




Upper — Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Sublette, deceased. Lower— D. W 
Sublette, Mary E. Sublette, near Sublette 



1162 The History of Adair County. 

WILLIAM WALTERS, a native of Adair County, Missouri, was born June 16^ 
1861, being a son of William and Jerresha (Lay) Walters. He was married March 
25, 1886, to Anna Lawrence, daughter of John and Jane (White) Lawrence. They 
have four children: Hettie, born February 7, 1889, now the wife of Earl Moots;. 
Mabel, November 8, 1890; Mazie, November 12, 1892; Arthur, September 9, 1896. 

Mr. Walters was born and reared on a farm near Stahl. When thirteen years 
old d his parents died, and he then lived with his brother, Lewis Walters, till grown, 
then went to Montana where he remained seven years. He returned to Adair County, 
married, and began farming, an occupation which he has followed since that time. 
Mr. Walters now lives on his brother's farm, one and one-half miles south of Stahl. 
-It consists of 1.50 acres, and is well improved. 

He is a member of the K. of P. and M. W. A. fraternities. 

HENRY L. WALTERS was born in Adair County, January 16, 1876, being 
a son of Lewis and llachel (Cook) Walters. He was married March 6, 1908, to Nell 
Englehart, daughter of Charles and Jane Englehart. They have no children. 

Mr. Walters was born and reared on the old home place, one mile east of Stahl. 
He attended the public school and took a course at the State Normal School. In 
1902 he quit the farm and went into the mercantile business at Shibley's Point with 
E. E. Price. Here he remained a year, then bought a store at Stahl, where he moved 
his stock from Shibley's Point. He was in business with Mr. Price for two years, 
then began conducting a butcher shop and general mcrchandi.se store for himself. 
He is still engaged in that work, and also owns a farm of 160 acres, one and one-half 
miles southeast of Stahl. 

He is a Democrat, and a member of the M. W. A. His wife is a member of the 
Christian Church. 

ALBERT EDWARD AINSLIE, son of Louis J. and Margaret Ainslie, is a 
native of Adair County, and was born near Adair Oct. 15, 1880. He was married 
Oct. 21, 1902, to Florence Nooning, daughter of Wm. H. and Rose (Quinn) Nooning. 
They had four children, two of whom are living; Margaret, Robert, Einest and 
Isadore. Margaret and Robert are deceased. Ernest is four and Isadore two years 
of age. 

Mr. Ainslie was born and reared on a farm near Adair, remaining there with 
parents till grown. He then married and continued the occupation of farming and 
has always made this county his home, with the exception of a shoit time spent in 
the West. In 1909 he quit farming and moved to Kirksville, going into the real 
estate and insurance business with W. A. Downing. He continued in this business 
till March 1911 when he accepted the position of Deputy Collector with U. S. G. 
Downing, which position he now holds. 

Mr. Ainslie comes from one of the old pioneer families, his father, L. J. Ainslie, 
being one of the early settlers. The elder Mr. Ainslie is one of the best known men in 
the county, is splendidly educated and well posted. He has been a great traveler; 
has made the circuit of the globe and been in ahnost every known country in the 
world. During the Civil War he served with Co. D. 21st Mo and was badly wounded 
at the battle of Shiloh. He still makes this county his home but spends much of 
his time in travel. 

Ed Ainslie is a Republican in politics, and tak(>s a deep interest in political affairs. 
At present he is Secretary and Treasurer of the Republican Central Committee of 
Adair County. He and his family belong to the Catholic Church. 



Biographical. 1163 

ANTHONY J. KOEHL was bom at. Hi^lilarui, Illinois, Aug. 9, 1867, being a 
son of Anton and Anna K. Kochl. Ho was born and reared on a farm in Illinois, 
remaining there till twenty-two years of age. He then came to Adair County, Mis- 
souri, and has made this and adjoining counties his home since that time, spending 
some years in Chariton County. He finally came to Kiiksville in 1907, and has lived 
here continuously since. He was for a time in the collecting business, and also travel- 
ed in Colorado for a wholesale house. On July 10, 1911, he was appointed Deputy 
Sheriff of Adair County, whicli position he now holds. 

Mr. Koehl is a Reiniblican in politics. He has never married. 

CLARENCE ELMORE, a .son of William C. and Eliza (Clark) Elmore, was 
born July 30, 1S72, one mile south of Gibbs, Missouri, and died .Vpril 10, 1911. He 
was united in marriage March S, 1893, to Eva Corbin. Mrs. Elmore comes from an 
old time family, being a ilaughter of Newton and Mary E. (HoUoway) Corbin. ^Fhev 
had one child — Lloyd Muir, born July 3, 1893. 

Mr. Elmore lived on the home place till grown. When seventeen years old his 
father died, and he began farming for himself. When married he moved on the farm 
which his widow now owns. He inherited it from his father's estate. He lived on 
the same farm till his death, except one j'ear spent in Oklahoma. There are eighty 
acres in the home place, and twenty acres, two miles south-west of this farm. He 
belonged to the Christian church, his wife also being a member. 

DR. JERE TAYLOR MUIR was born in Trimble Co., Kentucky. His parents 
moved to Missouri before he was one year old. 

Unlike many who drift into a profession by accident or force of circumstances, 
Mr. Muir chose his profession when he was six years old, and began, in early life, 
to study the elementary principles of education. 

Aside from several special courses, including the law, the main preparation 
for his life work was made in two institutions, the State Normal University of Illinois, 
and LaGrange College. The bachelor's and master's degrees were conferred on him 
in regular course, the doctor's degree after his scholastic and professional ability were 
recognized in the educational world. 

Dr. Muir began teaching when quite young, and the greater part of his education- 
al work as a teacher has been done in two institutions, LaGrange College, and the 
State Normal School, Kirksville, Missouri. 

In the latter he has held various positions, as methods of teaching, director of 
the practice school, polirical science, and vice-president. When all students were 
required to take music he was for a year and a half in charge of this department. 
During the time he organized and instructed the first military band the school ever 
had. 

Under his direction the Model School Headlight was published. This was the 
first paper the school had. His wife, Elma Hay Muir, is a college graduate, and a 
musician of high rank. 

Mr. Muir represented Lewis County in the legislature three sessions 1905-6, 
1907-8, 1909-10, and was the author of many important bills which became laws 
while he was a member. 

He has written several books, including a manual of Orthoxy, moie recently a 
History and Government of Missouri, and is at present preparing a high work on 
Civil Government. Dr. Muir is field representative of the Kirksville State Normal 
School. 



1164 



The History of Adair County. 




A. J. Koehl, Deputy Sheriff, Kirksville 



LOU J. CROCKETT, born near Maithuid, Missouri, is a son of Daniel J. and 
Cynthia A. Crockett. He was married September 16, 1910, to Clara Combs. When 
ten years old he went with his parents to Kansas, in 1907 he came back to Missouri. 
Tliree years later he came with his brother E. A. Crockett, to Adair County, buying 
twenty acres of land at Clay. They opened up a store at that phice, which they 
conducted till the summer of 1911 when they moved to Trenton, Mo. Mr. Crockett 
sjient four years in the State of Okhxhoma previous to coming to Mi.ssouri. He is 
Hc|)uhlic:ni in poHlics and belongs to t lie Masonic fraternity. 

JAMKS WILSON, a native of Dearborn County, Indiana, was born February 
27, 1829, being a son of James and Rachel (.Standeford) Wilson. He was married 
April 27, 1S50, to i'^lizabeth (1. Shejjherd, daughter of linssell Shejiherd. They have 
no children. 

Mr. Wilson was tiorn and reared on a farm, living (here till twenty-seven years 
old, then came to Adair County, Missouri, where he purchased a farm in Wilson 
township. Here he resided until six years ago, then sold his farm and moved to 
lirashear. He is a Rei)ublican, and served as township collector of Wilson township 
two years under townshi{) organization. He is a member of the Masonic.' fraternity. 



Biographical. 11 65 

THE FARMERS MUTUAL FIRE AND LIGHTNING INSURANCE CO. was 

organized in 1S91, incorporated May S of that year, by J.. J. Kcim, J. A. Myers, Benj. 
Ely, George 1\. Voorhies, M. B. Horton, H. Corbin, F. W. CJibbs, Ludwig Schillie, 
William McPhetridge, W. M. Harriett, (). B. Millikin, S. ¥. Hoag, A. M. (ireeg, 
W. P. Foster, C. L. Bailey, A. Stiikey, James F. Bragg and W. F. Johnson. Tlie or 
ganizers were all residents of Adair County, and tiie business has been confined en- 
tirely to this county. It has been in business continuously since the date of organ 
ization, and is somlucted on the ass(>ssment i)ian. The risks are confined to farm 
property, and now carry $l,2(i3,31().00 in insurance. Thus far it has cost the insured 
only about one-half of what the old-line companies charge. They have had a iihenoni- 
enal growth, and have never failed to pay a loss promptly. 

The first president of the company was J. J. Keim, who s(>rved for two years, and 
was succeeded by D. W. Begole, who had held that office since that time. The first 
secretary was A. M. Gregg, who served till 1902. He was succeeded by P. D. Kirk, 
who now fills that same office. The company maintains an office at the com"t 
house, which is in charge of the secretary, Mr. Kirk. 

For the purpose of carrying on the business, there is a deputy in each township 
who has charge of the business in that particular locaHty. 

DANIEL T. VANLANINGHAM, son of Thomas and Henrietta (Truitt) Van- 
laningham, was born May 19, 1870, near Youngstown; Missouri, on the farm where 
he now lives. He was married March 18, 1896, to Addie Shott, daughter of Jonas 
and Annie (Wallace) Shott. Mrs. Vanlaningham was born July 3, 1871, near Nov- 
inger, Missouri. They have six children: Clarence, born Aug. 30, 1898; Roy, April 
24, 1900; Fannie, May 12, 1902; Ira, Dec. 8, 1904; Harry, Feb. 23, 1907; Nellie, 
April 13, 1909. 

Mr. Vanlaningham was born and reared on the farm where he now lives. He 
lived with his parents till grown, attending the public schools, then married and be- 
gan farming for himself. In 1905 he quit farming and took up the mercantile bus- 
iness at Youngstown where he remained two years. During that time his father 
died. He then went to farming on the old home place. It consists of 218 acres and 
at present belongs to his mother but is under his management. He does general 
farming and stock raising. 

Mr. Vanlaningham is a Republican in politics and belongs to the K. of P. frater- 
nity. 

CHARLES D. THOMPSON was born on a farm in Clay County, Indiana, 
February 17, 1848. He is a son of Joseph and Margaret (Reynolds) Thompson. 
He remained in Indiana till he joined Company K., 133 Indana Vol. Infantry at the 
beginning of the Civil War. He served till the close of the war after which he moved 
to Illinois, living in Shelby and Vermilion Counties. In 1906 he came to Adair 
County, Missouri, buying his present farm where he has since lived. He has 182 
acres of well improved land and raises fine stock. The farm is situated one and one- 
half miles north of Kirksville. He does general farming. 

Mr. Thompson was united in marriage September 3, 1874, to Carrie Shoure. 
They have five children: Lydia, born September 16, 1875, now Mrs. Ed. McGranahan; 
Clifford, October 2, 1877, married; Clinton, April 19, 1884; Floyd, November 11, 
1887, Sarah, September 8, 1891. 

He is a Republican, a member of the Christian Churcli, and belongs to the M. W. 
A. and G. A. R. 



1166 The History of Adair County. 

NATHANIEL B. WELLMAN was born in Schuyler County, Missouri, May 
30, 1807, being a son of John and Eliza Wellman. He was married April 7, 1890, 
to Mary Green, daughter of Albert and Lucinda Green. They had five children, 
four of whom are living: Leonard, born February 5, 1891; Gladys, February 20, 1892, 
died August 9, 1909, being drowned in the Chariton River; Ollie, February 8, 1894; 
Elba, July 9, 1896; Lemah, August 6, 1898. 

Mr. Wellman was born and reared on a farm near Queen City, living there till 
about grown. He then went to Kansas where he remained two years. At that 
time he came to Adair County, where he has since lived. He farmed a few years, 
and then, in 1901, went to Connelsville where he engaged in the general merchandise 
business. After continuing that about a year he sold out and went into the furni- 
ture business at that place, in which he is still engaged. 

Mr. Wellman is a Democrat and a member of the I. O. O. F. and M. W. A. 

GEORGE S. SEAT was born in Worth County, Missouri, Jan. 20, 1878, and 
is a son of William L. and Rachael J. Seat. *He was married April 28, 1904, to 
Laura M. Neiger, daughter of Christian L. and Margaret Neiger. They have two 
children: Florence M., born March 30, 1905; Mary R., May 30, 1907. 

Mr. Seat was born and reared on a farm in Worth County, remaining at home 
till grown. He then married and continued the occupation of farming in that 
county till March, 1910, when he moved to Adair County, where he has since re- 
sided. At present he conducts a farm of 280 acres near Adair. 

Mr. Seat is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Baptist Church. 

WILLIAM WADDILL is a native of Coles County, Illinois, born June 6, 1843, 
a son of John and Delilah (Phillips) Waddill. He was married September 24, 1867, 
to Elizabeth Agee, who died in 1887. They have three children living: Cora, born 
November 24, 1869, now Mrs. Sherman Hagans; Elba S., born November 20, 1870; 
Ray C, born June 15, 1877. His second wife was Kate J. Lowe, whom he married 
in 1889. They have no children. 

Mr. Waddill came to Adair County in 1856 When grown he engaged in the 
occvipation of farming. This he continued till 1896, then retired and moved to Kirks- 
ville w^here he still resides. He still owns a farm of eighty acres, three miles north- 
east of Kirksville. 

He is a Republican and a member of the Met hf>ilist Episcopal clnu'ch 

JOHN S. WILSON was reared on a farm near Old Wilson Town, the place 
where his broeher, J. W. Wilson, now lives. Ho was born there September 17, 1S50, 
being a son of Joel and Angle (Davidson) Wilson. He was married October 3, 1872, 
to Mary Clark, daughter of John A. and Drusana (Edgman) Clark. Mrs. Wilson 
was born in Macon County, Missouri, January 16, 1855. They have three children: 
Robert W., born June 7, 1874, died October 14, 1875; Ora L., January 4, 1876; 
John R., March 30, 1878, died October 20, 1879. 

Mr. Wilson has lived in this county all his life. He lived with his parents till 
his marriage, then started farming for himself. He has followed that occupation 
all his life, and now owns a farm of forty acres, three-fourths of a mile west of Wil- 
son Town, where he has lived since 1886. He does general farming. 

Mr. Wilson is a Democrat and a member of the Hoiiti.st Church. 



Biographical. 



1167 




Bethel A. M. E. Church and liev. John H. .Smith, Pastor, Kirk.sville 



1168 The History of Adair County. 

BETHEL A. M. E. CHURCH, Kirksvillc, Missouri, was organized about the 
year 1872, by Rev. J. W. Wilson as pastor, who is now a member of the Kansas con- 
ference and presiding elder of the Kansas City, Kansas, district. The church build- 
ing was erected in 1878, by Rev. J. P. Watson, who is now a member of the Colorado 
conference. The present pastor, Rev. J. H. Smith, was transferred in 1910 to this 
church from the Colorado conference and has proved himself to be a vigorous worker, 
having taken over forty members into the church since he came. Bethel church 
stands as one of the leading churches in the Hannibal district and has a present mem- 
bership of 78. 

REV. JOHN H. SMITH (Colored) was born in slavery, a son of Jess and Har- 
riett Smith. He was born December 26, 1853, in Macon County, Missouri. His 
parents were at that time the property of Newton Switzer. He lived in Macon 
till the war was over and his family had been given freedom, then went to St. Louis 
and attended the colored high school, graduating from that institution. He worked 
in a store at St. Louis several years, later studying for the ministry, being ordained 
to preach in the African Methodist Episcopal church, by Bishop T. M. D. Ward, 
D. D., of the N. M. Conference, in 1886. He has been an active worker in that work 
since that time. He came to Kirksville October, 1910, being transferred from the 
Colorado conference. He has served, since ordained, in Colorado, Missouri, Louis- 
iana, Texas and New Mexico conferences. 

John Smith was married to Nellie Colquit November 12, 1886. They have 
three children: Nannie, wife of Frank Moore; Effie, wife of Charles Chandler; 
Minnie, wife of Charles Castle. 

WILLIAM H. FRAKES (colored) was born in Boone County, Missouri, April 
11, 1854, a son of Thomas J. and Maria Frakes. He was married December 28, 
1886, to Lucy A. Toles. They have no children. Mrs. Frakes has a daughter, 
Isabel Gilstrap. 

Mr. Frakes moved to Livingston County with his parents at the close of the war. 
Here he lived for fourteen years, then went to Linn County, where he attended the 
public schools. He then took a two-years' course at Lincoln Institute at Jefferson 
City. He taught two years in Linn Coimty, then came to Kirksville in 1S86, and 
accepted the principalship of the colored school. He taught continuously here till 
1909, when he (|uit teaching and has since devoted his time to truck farming. He 
owns five acres of ground, and a pretty home, at the southwest citj' limits. 

While teaching, Mr. Frakes kept up with the advancements, and has always had 
the privilege of attending the teachers' meetings and institutes conducted by the 
white peoi:)le. He is a Republican, a member of the Baptist church, and belongs to 
the Masonic order. 



Errata 



p. r28--"'l'lH' Kadiculs of the ()riji;inal Prairie \'ic\v ( 'cnigrcgation." 
sliould r(>a(l "Pleasant" instead of "Prairie." 

P. 323— The line under the picture should read "The I. & St. L. 
Depot at Connelsvdlle" instead of the "Santa Fe Depot at Gihbs." 

P. 402 — The sword presented to Ensign Willard was j^rovided for by 
a sjiecial appropration of the State Legislature, and not by the peoi)le 
of Kirksville. The sword was presented in Kirksville, however, through 
a delegation of Kirksville citizens. 

P. 407 — "he proceeded to buy thirty acres of land south of t'le 
lirojiosed depot site" should read "north" instead of "south." 

Archer, Hugh Mctor, page 695, born 1887, instead of 1877. 

C4em, M. (4., page 1019, second name in jucture of five generations 
should be "Mary J. Ely " 

Conkle, Mrs. A. E., page 498, ])ictvn-e of lunue "in Kirksville" in- 
stead of "near Brashear." 

Davenport, G. E., page 1027, date of birth Sept 20, insttnid of 10. 

Herren, Albert., page 724, corrected biography run on page 1092. 

Houghton, J. R., page 529, should be "J. R. instead of "J. H." 

Hickman, C F., page 513, name of first child should l)e "Arita," 
instead of "Anita." 

Martin, Dr. W. W., 073, should read, also "member oj Masonic 
order." 

Shoop, .Judge Jacob., page 785, should be "Jacob" instead of 

" T J) 

James. 

Tuttle, George., i)age 10](), birth of first child should read 1894. 
Young, W. H., page 770, shoukl read G. B. Easley anrl grand- 
daughter in foreground. 



Index 



PART I. HISTORY 

Act crcatint; Adair County. 33 
Acreage of larm lands, 289 
Adair circuil, .M. E. church, 115 
Adair County: 

Act creating,33 
Bonded indebtechiesf^, ()5-7 
Boundaries, 35 
Buildings, rii)-(v-> 
Early conditicjns, 14-17 
Early settlers, ()-14, 443-5 
Growth, 19-23 
Officers, 46-56 
Politics, 68-81 
County Seat, 35, 345-G 
Townships, 35-39 
Adair County Agricultural and Mcc- 

iianical Association, 309-10 
Adair County Fair Association, 310 
Adair County Farmer, 286 
Adair County Home Guards, 187 
Adair County Miners Bank, 339 
Adair, John, 34-5 
Adair, 145-7,423 
Adkins, J. R., 425 
Advocate, 286 
Agriculture, 287-94 

Agricultural statistics for 1909-11, 2S7 
Alli.'d Party, SO 
Alms house, (15 

American ()steo])athic Association, 271 
"American Progress," 79 
American School of Osteopathy, 250-()(): 
Incor])orat ion, 250, 254-6 
Opposition, 251 

First graduating exercises, 251-2 
Kirksville bonus, 252-4 
Dedication of building, 254 
iMilargc'mcnt of building, 257 
iIosi)ital, 258 
( 'onsolidation of Schools (>f ( )s- 

leoi)athy, 25S-60 
I'aculty Members, 262-4 
Graduates, 2()4 



OF ADAIR COUNTY. 

Student body, 264-6 

Students organizations and pub- 
lications, 266 
Amusements, public, 398-9 
Ancient Order of United Workmen, 

156-7 
Anderson, C. C, 296-7 
Anderson, T. L., o])])()si1 ion of, 1o 

creation of Adair County, 34 
Appropriations for Normal School, 240 
Articles of Incorporation of A. S. O., 

254-6 
Ashbell, John, 10 
Assassination of Dr. Davis, 105 
Assassination of Sumter, 84 
Assessors, 43, 49 
Assessors' Ileturns, 20-21 
Atlanta Circuit, U. B. Church, 125 
Atchison, Topeka Santa I'V H. H., 322 
Aurora Colony, 413, 415-7 
.Australian ballot, 79 
Axe handl(> factory, 397 

Bailey, H. J., 425 

Baird Bank, 329-32 

Baird, W. T., 328-32; rcininiscciic(>s, 

446-9 
Baldwin Day, 21S 
Baldwin Hall, 206 
Ba!(h\ui. J., 191, 215-8 
Bank of Connelsville, 339 
Bank of Gibbs, 339 
Bank of St. Louis, Kirksville Branch, 

83, 327-9 
Banks of lli<> County, 327-41 
Bai)tist Church, Ki, 129-33 
Bar of .\(lair County, 404 
P.;lttle of: 

Boone's Spring, 95 

Centralia, 89-90 

Florida, 95 

Kirksville, 92-108, 452, 454 

Moore's Mill 

Newark, 96 



Index. 



1171 



Oak I{i(ltic, Oo 

Piem-'s Mill, <).') 

Santa Vv, <).") 

See's Ford, 10(1 

Stockl'iii, KM) 

Vassar's Hill, 9.') 

Walnut Civck. l()(i 

\^'(\st(Mltla\•('I■'s l''ann, S7 

Whaloy's Mill, 107 
Boar Crook Baptist clnircli, 129 
15(>atty, Andrew, 425 
Boll, H. W., 425 
Hcnion School Biiildiuu. ISO 
Bonton 'ro\vnshi|): 

Organization, 3S 

Bailroad Bonds, (if., :\V.) 
Hot hoi Colony, 41:5-5 
Bothol M. K. Chundi, 121 
Miblo Society, 150 
Big Nook War, 9-11 
"Big Warrant," 55 
Black Hawk Why. 11 
Blanton, J. P., 220-1 
Bloomington Circuit, M. E. Church, 115 
Blooniington as stage coach center, 311 
Board of Vldermen, Kirksville, 349 
iioard of Registration, 70 
Bonded In<lohteilnoss of: 

County, (i5-()7 

Kirksville, 351 
Bonds: 

Court House, ()7 

Jail, (i7 

Normal School, (lO, 197 

Railroad, 66-7, 319, 4()(>-7 

Sewer, 351 

Water, 355-t) 
Bonus, Kirksville, to Dr. Slill, 253 
Boone, Daniel, 11 
Boundaries of: 

Adair County, 35 

Townships, in 1S45, 3S 
Boyd, J. S., 142-3 
Bozarth. Andrew, 11 
Bozarth, B. A., 42() 
Bozarth, J. M., 17, 426 
l^ozarth, Lycurgus, 101 
P..-ashoar, 405-11 

Acadeinv. 136, 411 



Banks, 337 

CInu-chos, llS-20, 121-s, i:;c, 

Depot, 321 

O. A. R,, 15.S 

Masons, 153 

Xowspapors, 2S5 

Odd l''ollo\vs, 151 

Population in I'.IIO, .'.w] 

Public Schools, ISS 

Teachers, ISS 
Brashoar Banking C'o., 337 
iirashoar, R. M., 27, 105-7 
Brashoar, \V. (1., 126 
l^rick Yards, 297 
Briilgos, 312-3 

lirowdor-Throgniorton Dohato, 114 
Bullion M. !■:. Churcli, 121 
Building and Loan Associations, 311 
Burial of Confederate Dead, 101 
Burk Packing Company, 400 
Burke's Business College, 39() 
Burlington Railroad System, 3,22 
Burns, W. H. 127 
Business Colleges, 394-6 
Business Firms, Kirksville, 365-73 
Business Men's Associations, 401, 297-S 

"Cabins," The, 7-9 

Cain, Cioo., 17; Rominiscencos, 113-6 

Cain, John, 11, 14, 443 

Cain, Capt. Tice, 96 

Caldwell, Major, 95 

Campaigns, Political: 

In the County, 68-81 

In Kirksville, 352-3 
Camp Meetings, HI, 127 
Cater Memorial Church, 121 
Catholic Church, 145-S 
Causes for Growth of tin- County, 22-3 
Celebration of: 

Battle of Kirksville, 72 

P^iftieth Anniversary of C. P. 
Church, 139 

Fiftieth Anniversary of Republican 
Party, 79 

Dr. Still's Eightieth Birthday. 271-2 

Cemeteries, Kirksville, 3()4-5, 39S 
Cemetery Associations, 365 
Centennial of Methodism, 117 



1172 



The History of Adair County. 



Census of Adair Couuly ISfjO-'M), 

19, 343-1 
Census of Live Sloek, I'.IO!). 290 
Certifiealicn of Normal Seliool (irad- 

uates, 230-2 
Chairman of the l^oani of Trustees: 

Kirksville, 350 

Brashear. 409 
Chandler, Guy, 427 
Changes in the County Court, 40-43 
Charters of: 

Kirksville, 34S 

A. S. O., 254-6 

North Missouri R. K., 313 
Chautauqua, Kirksville, 399 
Cheese P'actories, 292 
Christian Associations, 237, 2()() 
Christian Church, 133-7 
Churches of the County, 109-50 
Church Buildinjrs: 

M. E. Church, 116-7, 119 

M. E. Church, South, 123-5 

r. R. Church, 127 

Baptist Church, 129-31 

Christian Church, 135 

C. P. Church, 138-9 

Presbyterian Church, 141-2 

Episcopal Church, 144 

Catholic Cluu-ch, 147-8 
Circuit Attorney, list of, 48 
Circuit Court, first, 40 
Circuit Clerks, list of, 48 
Circuit .ludges, list of, 48 
Circuit of County Collectors, 45 
Citizens National Bank, 336 
Civic Improvement Leafiue, 397-8 
Civil War, 82-108, 457 
Claims, land, of early settlers, 13 
Clark, Robert, 427 
Clarkson, D. J., 427 
Clay Township, Organization of, 3S-i) 
Coal : 

JMclds, 301 

inilustry, 300-9, 119-21 

Operators, 308 

V(Mns, 304-6 
Collection of Taxes, 45 
Collectors, ('ounty, list of, 50 
Collett, A. K,, 127 



Columbian School of Osteopathy, 273-6 
Commissioners, County Seat, 35, 345 
Comjiany A., 39 Mo. Infantry. 89-91 
Comparison of Grain Yields, 1870 

and 1909, 289 
Concord C. P. Church, 141 
('on federate: 

Knli.stment, 84-5 

Recruiting: in N. E. Mo., 94 

Loss at the Battle of Kirksville, 
100-1 
Connelsville 418: 

Banks, 339 

Coal Indu.stry, 301-4 

Growth, 308 

Newspaper, 288 

Population, 1910, 344 

Public Schools, 189 
Connelsville M. E. Church, 170 
Conner's Tan Yard, 287 
Constitution of 1865, vote of Adair 

County on, 72 
(yonstitution of 1875, vote of Adair 

Count V on, 75 
Contest Between Radicals and Liberals, 

69-74 
(>)ntributions from Kirksville to SulT- 

crei's elsewhere, 388 
Controversy between (). K. and I. 

& St. L. R. Rs., 324-5 
Controversy over Mcmberslii]) of 

County Court, 1877, 42 
Coroners, list of, 51 
Coots, Mrs. Elizabeth, 102 
County Attorney, 43, 48 
County Buildings, 56-65 
County Clerks, list of, 49 
('ounty Commissioner, 55, 1()9, 173 
Count}' Court : 

First, 40 

1841-77, 52-3 

l)(Mnocratic, 81 
County Judges, 52-54 
Counties, Missouri, 1841, 24,34 
County: 

Offices ami Ollicers, 40-5(; 

Organization, 40-67 

Politics, 68-81 

Press, 277-8() 



Index. 



117;-; 



Soul, .So 

Superintendent, A'A, 1"), ."il 

Supervision 174 
Corn Yield, 1",)(H), L's? 
Corner Stone: 

Court House, (11 

Normal Seliool, 20.") 

A. S. (). Hospital, 2.')S 

Kirksville Mercantile Collpjie. ;'.'.» 1 

Catholie Church, Kirksville, 14s 

M. E. Church, South, Kirksville, \2:', 
Corporal Dix, S7-SS 
Court House Bonds, (17 
Court Hou.ses, 56-t)S 
Cowdry, Lievrt., 99 
Creameries, 292 

Creation of Adair County, 24-4(3 
Criticisms of the County Crange, 1(14 
Cumberland Acatlemy, 99, 11. Vd, l.'U, 

138, 177, 191-3, 447 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, i:)7- 

141 
Cyclone, Kirksville, 147, 377-S.5 

Daily Attendance at Kirksville Schools, 

182 
Daily: 

Express, 284-5 

Graphic, 284 

Journal, 284 
Danforth, 424 
Darrow, Edwin, 427 
Daughters of American Revolution, 

160-1 
Davis, Benjamin, 277 
Davis, Dr., Assassination of, 10.") 
Debates, Religious, 112-4 
Dedication : 

A. S. (). Buihlino, 2:)4 

Churches, 11.5-48, in loco 

Normal School Building, 20(1 
DeFrance, J. M., 428 
Democrats and Greenbackers, Fusion of, 

77 
Democrat, Kirksville, 2S1-3 
Democratic Mass Meeting, 18G8, 71-2 
Democratic Party, 08-81, in loco 
Dennis, .J. T., 42s 
Demoniiiational Strife, 112 



Deposits in- Han];s, 1910, .•;27 
l)ei)c>l, Haih-oad at : 

Hrasiiear, 107 

Kirksville, 31(1-8, 321-2 
"Dick and Dave," Ticket, 7S 
Discovery of Osfec.jjat.hy, 21(1-7 
Disfranchisement, (19 
District of Louisiana. 24 
District, School, 173 
Dissatisfaction among Hepul)licans, 

1890, 78 
Di.ssolution of Xineveli Colony, 11(1-7 
Ditzler-Jamison Debates, 113 
Dix G. A. R. Post, 88 
Dobson, W. D., 221-2 
Dockery, T. .J., Heniiniscences of, 4.")9-(iO 
Dod.son, I. B., 428 
Drake Constitution, 09 
Dramshop Ordinances, Kirksville, 3.")l-4 
Drouths, 38S 
Duties of Kirksville Otiicers, 348-9 

Early: 

Baptist Preachers, 109 

Buildings, 10 

Business Firms, 30.")-0 

Churches, 10 

Church Buildings, 111-2 

Coal Mining, 300-1 

Conditions, 14, 440 

Domestic Life, 10 

Emigrants, 17 

Farming, 14, 44.3-.'),, 4.') 1 

.lails, 03-4 

Methodist Preachers, 109 

Mail Routes, 303 

Post Offices, 1.5 

Religious Sei'N'ices. 45.5-0 

Schools, 10, 107-72, 440, 4.50-1 

Settlers in Missoiu'i, 7 

Settl(>rs in Adair County, 0-17, 
44.3-5, 342, 407 

Stores, 445 

Trading Posts, 15 
Easton, Sam, 40 
Eckert, Henry, Sr., 428 
ElTects Civil War on: 

Churches, 112 

North Mo. R. R., 315 
ElTects of Co:d Industry on Towns, 308 



1174 



The History of Adair County, 



lOtlccts of Xoriiml School on llic Sclioi Is 
ol' County, 172-0 

Eiflhty-sixth Regiment, EnroUcil Mil- 
itia, 01 

El(H'ticns, County, (iS-Sl 

Electric Light Co., ool)-")? 

Elevontli Regiineni, Cavalry, M. S. 
M., '.»2 

Ellison, Andrew, 42S-!> 

Elks, !").-)-() 

Ely, D. A., Sr., 42!) 

Ely Farm, 415 

Ely Mill, 294 

Emancipation in Missouri, t>9 

Emigrants from Missouri River 
Counties, 7 

Enrolled Missouri Militia, 91-92 

Enumeration and Enrollment of Pujiils, 
Kirksville, 17o-6 

Episcopal Chinch, 144 

Erwin, J. S., 427 

Establishment of ( )st(>o])athic Infirm- 
ary, 2o() 

Evans, Lovern, 17 

Excursions, Railroad, lUrj-G, 320 

Execution ( f: 

Confederate prisoners, 103 
•Tohn Oldham, 452 
J. M Robertson, 64 

Extension of (^ M. cV P. R. R., west- 
ward, 300-1, 321-2 

Factories, 294-300 

l-'aculty Memljers: 
A. S. ()., 2(12-4 
Normal School, 222-t) 

Fairs, 309-10 

P^arm acerage, 2Si) 

Farmers Advocate, 2X0 

Farmers Alliance, 7S 

Farmers and Labors Inion, 101 

Farmers Ticket, 1S9(), 7.S 

Farming, early, 443-5, 451 

Federal Enlistments, S() 

Federal Loss at the Rattle of Kirks- 
ville, 100 

Ferguson Lectures, 112-3 

Ferries, 312 

Ferris, F. L,, 21.S 



Festival, Sjiring, 399 
Fiftieth Enrolled Militia, <)1 
l-'iftieth Regiment, 90 
l''ires: 

Brashear, 411 

Kirksville, 57-59, 131, 142, 279, 
282, 294-(), 31S, 332, 389-94 
Novinger, 187 
Prairie and Brush, 15 
First; 

Court House, 50 

High School in Kirksville, 173 
International Baid<, .330 
Land Entry 20 
National Bank, 330 
Normal School Faculty, 193 
North-east Mo. Regiment, 89 
Pupils in Osteopathy, 249 
Sessions of Circuit Court, 40 
Sessions of County Court, 40, 50 
Settlement, 7 
Five Districts of the District of Louis- 
iana, 24 
Fletcher, .las., 101 
Fletcher, W. L., 149, 429 
Floods, 385-6 
Florida, Battle of, 95 
F;oyd, .John R., 430 
Floyd, Nathaniel, 15 
Folk Campaign, 80 
Forest Cemetery, 3()5 
Formation of Counties: 
Adair, 31 
Chariton, 31 
ll()war<l, 31 
Macon, 31 
Randoli>h 31 
Schuyler, 31 
Fort Clark, 12 
Fortieth Amiiversary Celehration of 

Normal School, 237 
Fort Madi.son, 11 
Foster, .lohn D., 84 
Foster, Peyton, 4.30 
Foster School, 171 
Founding of: 

Brashear, 405-7 
\ine\cli, 415 
Foundrv, 297 



Indkx. 



1175 



l''r('c l)cli\'cr_\': 

City, :iM 

Kural. ;UH 
I'icc Will Baptists, 123, i;}.") 
I'rcc Will Bai)tisf Assuciation, VA'A 
I'l-icHlinuu-Shclby Shoe Co., 297-;]()() 
I'^usion Parlies, Nictorics ol', 7"), 7N 

Gas Co., Kirks\illc, o.")7 
(Hbbs, 422: 

liank, :V.V.) 

Churcluss, 13()-S 

Santa Vo R. R., 322-:} 

liaiiroad Wnn-k, 32() 

Schools, 18S-9 

Population, 1<)10, 844 
(Jibbs Circuit, M. E. Cliiircli, US 
Gibbs Land Co., 422 
Gill, W. M., 279, 283, 430 
Gillespie, W. B., 2S1-2 
CJla.sgow Newspaper on Adair County, 23 
Goodo, vs. M. E. Church, South, 123 
Good Templars, 354 
Gospel Car, 131-2 
Governor Brown, 70 
Governor Jackson, 93 
Graduating Classes: 

A. S. O., 251-2, 264 

Normal School, 230 
Grain Prizes, 287 

Grain Yield, in 1870 and 1909, 289 
Grange, 76, 162-4 
CJraphic Corn Prizes, 287 
Ciraphic, Weekly, 283-4 
Great Northern Fuel Co., 303 
Greenback Party, 75, 77 
CJreenback Newspapers, 286 
tireen Grove U. B. Church. 128 
Cireentop Circuit, M. E. Church, 118 
(Ireenwood, J. M., 193, 219-20; on Early 

Schools in Salt River and Wilsoi: 

Townships, 170-2 
Cireenwood, P.F., Reminiscences of 4-')5-S 
Grim Hospital, 404 
(irocery Cj., Shr\'ack-Tli()in, 374 
Gross, Isaac, 7 
(h-oss, Stephen, 7 
Growth of County, 19-23 
Guitar, Odon, 95 
( iupp, .Jacob, 7 



Hamilton, A Iv, 430 
Hannah, W. P., 431 
Hardin, C. W., 430 

Harvester and Self Bind(>r, 289 

Hawkins, .1. L., i:!i 

Hay ^■ield, 287 

Heiny, B. !■'., 33(5 

High School, Kirksville, ISO, lSl-(i 

Highland Park C'ernetery, 3()5 

Holiness Church, 150 

Holmes, A. L., 286 

Home Guards, 86-9 

Hospitals, 258, 404 

Hospital Arrangements at the liattle 

of Kirksville, 102 
Hulsey, Rev., 109 
Hunters, Early, 14 

Illinois Bend Christian Church, 137 
Itnniigration Societies, 2.') 
Incorporation of: 

Brashear, 409 

C'onnelsville, 418 

Gibbs, 422 

Kirksville, 347 

Novinger, 421 
Incorporation of: 

A. S. O., 250-1, 254-6 

C. S. O., 275 

Journal Printing Co., 279 

Democrat Printing Co., 283 

Increase of County: 

In Population, 20 

In Wealth, 21 
Independent Ticket, 73 

Indian: 

Exploring Expeditions, 4-5 

Mounds, 3-5 

Territorial Claims, 6 

Wars, 9-11 

Remains, 3-5 

Visits, 12 
Industries, 287-310-, 415 
Industrial Brotherhood, 165 
Institutes, County, 174 
Iowa and Mo. Boundary Disiiute, 8, 

31, 33 
I. & St. L. R. R., 302-3, 323-5 
Itinerant Visits of Dr. Still, 248-9 



1176 



The History of Adair County. 



Jackson, W . .)., 122 

Jail Bonds, ()7 

Jail.s, (i3-()r) 

James, Da\iii, la, 40 

John, A. H., 71, 2(il, 2S2, VM 

Journal, Kirks\illc, 7'A 

Labor Unions, 165 
Land Entries, 20 
Land \alues, 22 
Laughlin, C. IL, 431 
Law : 

Of 1S39, on Schcol Orjiiinization, 

166-7 
Of ISoo, 1C><) 

Of 1S70, on X(,rnuil School 11)0, 
106-7 
Lawyers of Adair Covuilj-, 404 
Lay, Thos., 161-2 
Lecture Course. 398 
Legislation : 

Osteopathic, 2l')t)-70 
Normal School, 190, 196-7 
Legislative Livestigations of Normal 

School, 204 
Length of School Term in Kirksville, 1,S4 
Liberal Rei)ublicans, 69-72 
Liberals, Church, 112 
Liberty Township, Organization of, 38 
Libiaries: 

School, 174 
Normal Scli(,ol, 233-.") 
Lincoln School Building, 182 
Linder, .\. 11.. 431 
Lindcr I'uilihng, 332 
Linder, W , P., 31 1, 432 
Link, ['. L., 279-80 
Link, S. AL, 432 
Literary Societies, 397-8 
Live Stock Census, 1909, 290 
Live Stock Uai.^ers, 290 
Livingston County, Bid for Normal 

School, 200-1 
Local Option l<:iection, 352-3 
Locution of County Seat, 345-6 
Location of St.ate Normal School, 198-204 
Lutheran ('hurch, 149 
Lynching of Ward, 84 
Madison, Caj)!. Richard, II 
.Mail l'"acililics, lOarlv, 15 



.Manufactures, 294-300 

Manufacturers Coal <V Coke Co., 302-3, 

418 
Marriage, First, 17 
Marshal, Kirksville, 349 
Masons, 151-3 
Mayors: 

" Kirksville, 350 
Novinger, 421 
Mechanics L^nion, 165 
Medical Profession, 403-4 
Meeks, William, 432 
.Meetings: 

.\. O. A., in Kirksville, 271 
State Teachers .V.ssocialion, In 
Kirksville, 396 
Members of Nineveh Colony, 417 
Memorial Services for Cyclone \'ictinis, 

;]85 
Mercantile Colleges, Kirksville, 394-6 
Methodist Episcopal Churcli, 16, 115-21 
Methodist Episcopal Churcli, South, 

115, 121-5 
Mexican War Veterans, Ijcague of, 401-2 
Military Companies: 

During Civil War, 83-92 
Since Civil W^ar, 400-1 
Military Organization of Mo., 18()2, 94 
Millard, 424 

Baptist Church. 132 
G. A. R., 158 
Presbyterian Church, 143 
Railroad Wreck, :!26 
Millbank Mill, 296 
Miller Bros., 420 
Miller, Airs. Otis, licniiiiiscences of, 

453-5 
Miller, Robt., 16 
Mills, Flour and (hist, 294-6 
Mills, P. C, 336 
.Mine Inspectors Reports, 'M)\ 
Mining Machinery, 306 
Missouri lia[)tist Association, 131 
Missoin-i Conference: 
M. E. Church, 117 
r. ii. Churcli, 125, 128 
Mi.s.souri Counties, 1813-1841, 31 
Missouri liCgislalure of 1861. 92 
Mi.ssouii Militi.i, 92 



Index. 



1177 



Missouri Xalional Cuar.ls, 10(1-1 

Miiclicll. .1. H., 10, i:ri-;! 

M(mIc1 ScluH.I, ni Xonual ScIkhiI, L'OC., 

■iii-r, 

!M( del Rural Sclicol, I'l 1 

Model Rural ScIkioI liuildiutis in ( 'ounl y, 

175 
Moore's Mill, Battle of, 95 
Morelock. K. M. C, 55-(), S4-5. 27S, -i:{:; 
Moi'ris and Riclilcr's donation of land 

to Xornial School, 205 
Morrow, John, 40 

Morrow 'rownship, ( )raani/,at ion of, IvS 
Morsey, Lieut. Col., 105 
Mott.er. Noali, 4:VA 
Moiuit Moriah C. P. Clnuvh, 140 
Mudd, Dr., on Execution of McCull- 

ough, 104 
Mulberry C. P. Church, 140 
Municipa' Organization ui Kirksville, 

845-50 
Murphy, W. S., 297 
Musiek, J. R., 433 
Myers, James, 7, 10 
Myers, John, 10 
Myrtle, Reuben, 7 
MoAdow Synod, Meetinji of, 140 
McCahn, H. C, 308-9, 423 
MeClay, D. F., 432 
MoCreery Chapel, 118 
McCullough, F. H., Execution of, 103-4 
McNeill, Col. John, 93, 94, 98-99, 105 

Naming of Kirksville, 34(1 

Naming of Township.-^, 37 

Nason School House, 129, 141, 177 

Nason, W. P., 139. 193, 21!). 433-4, 

446, 447 
National Bank, 336 
Nelson, J. I., 434 
Newark, Battle of, 90 
Newcomb, David, 434 
Newspapers of County, 277-80 
Normal Department in the University, 

190 
Normal School, 190-240 
Normal School Bonds, 0(1 
North Missouri: 

Register, 74-5, 281-2 

Railroad, 313-0 



R.-iilroads Bonds, ['}')-{') 

Tribune, 281 
\ovinger, 418-21 : 

Banks, 337-9 

Building i^- boan .\ssociat ion, 311 

Churches, ll<)-20, 131-2, 148-9 

Coal Industry, 391-4, 308-9 

Fires, 1S7 

(Irowth, 308 

bailor Unions, 105 

Ma,s()us, 153 

Newspa])ers, 285-0 

Odd F(>ll()ws, 154-5 

I'oi'ulation, 1910, 344 

Schools, 103-7 
Novinger Bank 337-9 
Novinger Catholic Chiu-ch, 14S 
Novinger Circuit, M. E. Church, lbs 
Novinger, G. W., 434 
Novinger, Hiram, 434 
Novinger, Isaac, 435 
Novinger, John C, 418, 435 
Novinger Lutheran Church, 149 
Novinger M. E. Church, 119-20 
Novinger Record, 285-0 
Nind, 424 

Nineveh, 411-7; Mill, 294 
Nursery Business, 294 

Oak Ridge, Battle of, 95 

Oats, Yiekl of, 1909, 287 

Odd Fellows, 153-5 

O. K. R. R. , 318-22 

Oklahoma Township, Organization of, 39 

Oklham, John, Execution of, 105, 452 

Old Settlers Reunions, 399-400 

Opening of Normal School, First, 194 

Opposition to Creatif)n of Counties 

in 1841, 33 
Opposition to Osteopathy, 251 
Ordinances of Kirksville in 180(), 348 
Original Plat of Kirksville, 340 
Original Town: 

Of Brashear, 409 

Of Kirksville, 346 
Orleans Territory, 24 
Organization of Rei)ublican Party in 

Adair Coimty, 70 
O.steopathic Legislation, 251, 200-70 
Osteojiathy, Schools of, 241-70 



1178 



The History of Adair County 



O'Slica, Father .loscpli, 1 io 

()tt.o'8 Wheat Prize, 2S7 

Output of Coal Mines, ISSS-l'.HI'.l, ;;()l-4 

Owen, I. B., 10 

Owenby, John, 5o 

Owenljy, I'owell 10 

Packing Plant, 21)1-2 

Paden, J. T., i;;.") 

Palmyra Massaer(>, lOG 

Parcells, W. H., 200, 314, 435 

Park, Court House, 59 

Parsonajies, Methodist, 120, 124 

Parton, Isaac, 1 1 

Parton l\)\vnslii|), 31) 

Patriot, 27S 

Patrons of Hushaiulry, 102-4 

Patterson, C'has. 455 

Patterson, H. K., 430 

Patterson, John, 430 

Paulville, 405 

Paulviile M. E. Church, lis 

Paul, Walker, 405, 430 

Peiuisylvania Coal Co., 30i)-10 

Pell Mell Greenbacker, 280 

Peoples Party, 73-5, 81 

Physicians of C'ounty, 403-4 

Picture of the Battle of Kirksville, 108 

Pierce, D. C, 430 

Pierce, E. L., 430 

Pierce's Mill, Battle of. 05 

Pioneers, 0-17, 23 

Pioneer Preachers, 1 0! )- 1 1 

Plaininji Mills, 290 

Plans to form New County in 18()8, 31 

Pleasant View Church, ( U. B.), 128 

Political Campaigns, 08-81 

Polk 'i\nviisliip, Oruanizat i('n of, 38-9 

Poor Farm, (')5 

Population of County, .'5, 19 

Poslm.'isters: 

Brashear. 410 

Kirksville, 359-02 

Novinjirr, 409-10 
Post Offices ill County (1870), 304 
Post Office, Kirksville, 359-02 
Porter, Col. Josei)li C., 94-7, 99-100 
Porter, John F., 420 
Porter and St 'hhins Bankinu; Cv.., 3,29 
Pcullry Hiisiiic^s, 2!»0-i 



Practice School, 211-15 
Prairie \'iew. r2S 
Preaciiers, 109-150, in loco 
Presbyterian Church, 141-4 
Presbyterian Mission, 55, 143 
Presidents of Xorinal School, 215 
Prince, J. W., n.", 
Pi-incijj.als of Kirksville .Mercantile 

Colleg(>, 39() 
Principals of Kirksville High School, I.SO 
Pi-incipals of Model Scho(,l, 215 
Probate Court, 41, 54 
Proba1(> Judges, 54 
Proceeds from Sale of Normal School 

Bonds, 204-5 
PrvX'lamation of Cov. Clark, 
Progressive Peoples Party, 80 
Prohibition Part\', 77 
Proposed Railroad Fine, 325-0 
Proposition to vote Bf)nils: 

Court Flouse, 59-01 

Jail, 04-05 

Norm.'il School, 197 

Railroad, 314-5, 319-21 
Prosecuting Attorney, 43 
Public Administrator, 43 
Public Utilities, 354-8 
Purchase of Baptist Church by C. P. 

Church. 139 
Purcha.se of Organ by M. K. Church, 

South, Kirksville, 123 
Quarters of County Officers, 03 
(^uincy Railroad Bonds, 319 
(^uincy, Mi.ssouri and Pacific R.R., 31S,- 

322, 405 
(.1 M. & P. R. R. Bonds, 00-72 

Radical Republicans, 09-73 

liailroad lionds, 314-5, 319-21, 400-7 

Railroad >,Fh tings, 10, 319 

Railroad Ti:- Industry, 300 

Hais.:Ts of Five Stock, 290 

Kank of Adair County in Coal Industry, 

304 
Itay — Siini)son Debates, 114 
Rectors, l\piscopaliaii, 144 
Recorder, 15, 19 

Refunding of H;)nd('d Indebtedness, ()7 
R(>fusal of (1;a'. .lackson to Fincoln'i 

Call, SO 



Index. 



117!) 



1!(-K<'iits Boaul of, 22()-;>() 
Krli^i(Hi,s Debates, 112-4 
l{("liKi<'ns S('rvic(-s, l']:nly, '\')')-() 
liciiiinisccnccs of: 

W. T. liaird, 4 Ki-l) 

( U'ci'iic Cain, 44o-() 

'V. .]. D()ck(>ry, 4")9-()() 

1'. v. (!r(H'ii\v( )()(!, 45o-S 

Mrs. Otis Miller, ■^r^S-ry 

Mrs, .laeol) F. WaddiU, 4 
Keinoxal (if Iiuiiaus to Iowa,.!) 
Hemoval of I'aulvillo M. E. ( 'li 

Soiitli, to lirashear, 12") 
Ke(>r<ianiy,ation, of Kii'ks\ille, 

tlie War, 347-S 
Reore;anization of Churches: 
Hcorfianization of Churches: 

Christain Church, ISo 

M. E. Church, South, 122 
Representative, 47 
Republican Party, 68-81, in loco 
Republican Primary, 77 
Revolutionary Soldiers Bulled in 

County, Kit -2 
Reunions: 

Old Settlers, 399-400 

Soldiers, 159-60 
Revivals, 111, 127 
Richardson, Nathan, 7 
Richey, Gideon, 437 
Ringo, Jos., 40 
Ringo, R. M., 162, 332-G, 437 
Ringo, William, 437 
iiivalry Between Adair and Livin 

Counties over Normal School, 
Robberies : 

International Bank, 332 

Savings Bank, 333-4 
Rombauer Coal comj^any, 420 
Rombauer, R. G., 309 
Royalists and Anti Royalists, OS 
Rural Free Delivery, 364 
Rural Schools, 166-76 
Ryan, Father, 145 

Sabbath Home M. E. Clnuvh, 
St. Charles County, Organization 
St. Louis Normal School, 193 
St. L., K.C., andN.R. R., 316 
Sale of Baird National Tiank, 



l!)-53 



After 



Vdair 



gston 
200-1 



120-1 
of, (i 



330 



Sale ol : 

Baptist Clinrch, 12!l 

l'"ree Will Bajitisl ("hurcli, 12:;, 
Sale of Slaves, .S2-:] 
Saloons, Kirksville, 351-4 
Salt, River Bugle, 2S5 
Salt River Railroad Bonds, (it;, :;21, 4 
Salvation Army, 150 
Sands, Jacob, 197 
Sand Hill Circuit (M. E. Church), 
Santa Fe, Battle of, !)5 
Santa Fe Railroad, 322-3 
Santa Fe Railroad Wreck, 326 
Savings Bank, 332-6 
Schedule of: 

Ferry Rates, 312 

Stage Fares, 312 
Schism: 

Christian Chvu'ch, 135 

U. B. Church, 12S 
Scholield, Order of, 94 
School in Covu-t House, 94 
School Building Elections 17S-,S7 
School Fund, 168 
Schools, Public, 166-S7 
Scott, J. Harvey, 118 
Secession Sentiment in County, 
Second Court House, 56-59 
See's Ford, Battle of, 106 
Seitz, E. B., 438 
Selby Poultry Co., 290-1 
Sessions of County Court, Early, 
Settlements, Early, 6-17, 442-5 
Settlers, of 1830-40, 11-13 
Seventh Regiment Cav., Mo. \'ol 
Sewer System, 358 
Sewer Bonds, 358 
Sharp, G. W., 138 
Sharp. J. E., 138 
Sheeks, W. H.. 438 
Sheriff, 43, 50 
Sherman, Samu(-1. 57 
Sherwood Hall, 116 
Shibleys Point, 423: 

G. A. R., 158 

Home (Juards, S6 
Sho(> Factory, 29S-;500 

.\ddition to Kirskville, 2!)S 

Subscribers, 298 



()C)-7 



lis 



83-4 



, 88 



1180 



The History of Adair County. 



Slioop, Jacol), -i'AS 

Shoop, P. D., 438 

Shryack-Thoni Crocery Co., 374 

.Sixteenth 111. Inft., 87 

Slavery, 72, 82-3 

Sleets, 387 

Sloan Cemetery, 3(14 

Sloan, David K., 342 

Smith, Jam(!.s A., 9() 

Smith, J. T., 438-n 

Smith, W. J., 394-0 

Snow Storm.s, 386 

Socialist Party, 81 

Sojourners Club, lo!)-(JO 

Soldiers Reunion, 159-69 

Sons of Veterans, 160 

Spanish-American War, 402-3 

Speech of R. E. Lewis, SO 

Si)lit: 

In Methodist Church, llf), 121 

In U. B. Church, 128 
Spiritualists, 112-3, 149-50 
Spring Festi\'al, 237 
Stages, 311-2 
Stahl, 423: 

Coal Industry, 301-4, 308-9, 420 
Stahl, S. F., 308, 410 
State Bank of Brasliear, 337 
State Convention of ISOl, S3, 92-93 
State Senators, 47 
State Teacher's Association, 390 
Statistics: 

Agricultural, 287 

Coal, 301-4, 307 

Banks, 327 

Normal School, 238-9 
Still, .\l)ram, 109-11, 115 
Still, A. T., 211-50, 271-2 
Still Hospital, 258 
Stock Raising, 287-94 
Stockton. Battle of, lOfi 
Stores, Early, 445 
Storms, 374-88 
Street Paving, 359 
Strikes, 3 Hi. 399 
Students of .\. S. ()., 204 
Student. ( )rgaiii/.al iijus: 

.\, S, ()., 200 

Noiinal Scliool, 235 



Student I'uhlications: 

A. S. 0., 200 

Normal School, 237 
Stukey, Noah, 439 
Sul)lette, 423 

(i. A. H., 158 
Sublette, T. E., 283 
Summary of Business Firms in Kirks- 

ville, 307 
Summer School of Normal Scliool, 239 
Sumter, Assassination of, 84 
Sunday School As.soeiation, 150 
Svn)erintendents of J\irksville Schools, 

184 
Supervisior of Registration, 43 
Surplus Products (1890-1909), 293 
Surveyor, 43, 51 
Suspensioji of Columbian School of 

Osteopathy, 270 
Suspension of Methodist Church during 

the War, 115 
Swedenborgianism, 149 
Sympathy for Southern Cause, 83 
Synods of: 

C. P. Church, 140 

Presbyterian Church, 143 

Tan Yard of Wash Coimer, 15 
Teachers Salaries, 17() 
Telephone Co., 357-S 
Temperance Camp, 352-3 
Terrill, J. H., 129 
Territory of: 

Louisiana, 24 

Missouri, 21 
Test Oath, 09 
Theatres, 390, 398 
Third Court Hous(>, (H-03 
Third Iowa Regment, 85, 87, 278 
Thirty-rinth .Mo Volunteers, 89-90 
'I'heory of Ostcopatiiy : 

Still's 247 

Ward's 275 
Thompson, U. S., 51 
Thrice-a-Weck lOcho. 2S5 
Tic Industry, 300, 499 
Time Table of Stages, 312 
TiuK.lhy Crass, I'irst, 2N9 
Towne, .\, I)., 108 



Index. 



11 SI 



Towns of County; sco l\ii-ksvill(-, IJni- 
shoar, Connclsville, Nincveli, Nov- 
ingor, (Jihbs, Millard, Sliiblej's 
Point, Atiair Willinatlnillc, Sub- 
lette. 

Townshii) Orfianization, 'An, 11-2 

Townships, Pojiulation of, 344 

Training Sehool for Nurses, 'irxS 

Trainmell, Capt., «)-l() 

Trans{)ortation Facilities, ."Jll-'id 

Treasurer, Covuity, -i'-i, ;!() 

Treaty With : 
Osages, 6 
Sacs and Foxes, <» 

Tribune, ]\irksvill(>, 7o 

Trinity Church (M. E. Church), 12") 

Truancy L.aw, 1S2-4 

Trustees of Kirksville, First, 347 

Tuition Fees, A. S. ()., 202 

Twenty-second Inft., Mo. Xnl. S9 

Twenty-seventh Inft. Mo. Vol., 87 

Underwood Lectures, 113 

United Brethern Church, 12r)-!); 
Camp Meetings, 127 

United Daughters of Confederacy, KiO 

Union Bank, 336 

Union Bank of Novinger, 339 

Union Democrat, S5-(), 278 

Union of C. P. Church and Presbyterian 
Church, 143 

Universalists, 149 

Unveiling of Monimients to Revolution- 
ary vSoldiers, 162 

Vassar's Hill, Batt.le of, 95 

Vaughn, J. T., 439 

Vote of Adair County on: 

Representative to State Convention 

of 1861, 83-4 
Constitution of 1865, 72 
Constitution of 1875, 75 



Wabash Railroad, 313-S 

Depots in Kirksville, 316-S 

Wreck, 526 
Wnddill, Mrs. .1. F., Pvcniinisccnces of, 

449-53 
\\'agner (Conservatory, 396 
Wagon Factory, 297 
Walnut Creek, Batt.le of, 106 
Walnut Township, Organization of, 38-9 
Ward, M. L., 273 
War: 

Black Hawk, 11 

Civil, 82-108 

Mass M(>e1ings, 84 

Mexican, 401-2 

Spanish-American, 402-3 
Well, Artesian, 355 
Whaley's Mill, Battl(> of. 107 
Wheat Yield, (1909). 287 
Whigs in Adair County, 6S 
White School Hou.se, 172 
Wild Honey, 14 
Willard, A. P., 101 
\\'illard, FCnsign, 402-3 
Willard School liuilding, 180 
\^'illmathville, 423 
\\'ilsontown, 422, 424 
Wilson Townshi]), Organization of 38 
Winn, James, 10 
Womans Christian Temixrance Union, 

354 
Womans Relief Corps, 160 
Woods, A L., 439 
^^'ool Factories, 296 
^^'recks, Railroad, 326 

Yarrow, 424 

Young Mens Christian Association, 

237, 266 
Youngstown Circuit, (M.E. Church), 1 18 
Young Womens Christian Association, 

237, 266 



PART II.— REMINISCENCES. 



Cain, (ieorge W., 443 

Baird, \V. T., 446 

WaddUl, Mrs. Jacob F., 449 



Miller, Mrs. Otis, 453 
Greenwood, P. F., 455 
Dockerv, Thomas J., 459 



1182 



The History of Adair County. 



PART III.— GREAT MEN OF IHE COUNTRY. 



SUotclu's ('iits 

Music, John 1{ MV.i 4()4 

I<:il son,. ludj^c Andrew Kio 40G 

FJlison, .Jud^c .lames. KIS 4(i9 

Creenwood, ,[. M. . .. 470' 19.') 



Sketches Cuts 

Kirk, .)olm K 472 221 

Still, Dr. Andrew T. 47:j 242 

Wananiakei, .Judjie 

(icH)!"-)' W 474 



PART IV 

Skptolies 

Ainslic, A.E 1162 

Allrcd, Chas 489 

Arbojiast, Lewis 093 

Archer, H. D 703 

Apollo Brigade 1039 

Abernathy, Huyrh .... SSO 
Avery, Dr. O.W. . .1009 
Archer, Hugh \'ictor (iO."") 

Aberuathey, Chas 1039 

.Vbern.-^.Uiey, Jasper J. 748 

Andrew, .John W 913 

Abernathey, James . . .1124 
Abernathey, Jacol) J. lOlVi 
Anderson, Chas. C. 007 
Atterbcrry, Mrs. M .1024 

Banks, Charles 1132 

Harnetl., Robert J. . . . <)91 

Brassfield, John 898 

Brasliear, Richard M. 8<).i 

Brott, Eugene C 1144 

Barnhart, Abram .... 703 
Bozarth, Thadeus W. 11. '13 

Burton, W. B .")92 

Ikjzarth, Milton J. . . 741 
liozarUi, William ().... 917 
Billing! on, Jc^hn S. . . . 870 

lialch, Harry 99(1 

Barrows, B. C .")8I 

liaridiart, Henry H... 744 

Burrhett, S. R 907 

liozarth, Andrew J. 79.5 

Bibee, William C 744 

Barnes, Dr. F. M....H2() 

Bundy, .1. W 483 

Bozarlh, Lemuel C... 984 
Bureheli, John A. . . .1144 

Baehman, Carl ()31 

Burk, L. J ().-)! 

]5urk, .\..l ().'')1 

Belts, i;dwin J 922 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 

Cuts Sketches Cuts 

Brassfield, Byron 019 

15undy, Chas. F 10.58 1 000 

094 Burris, J. 1 948 9.11 

702 Brewington, GeorgeR. 477 

1038 Bown, James 732 736 

919 Begole, Davis W 623 625 

1008 Bailey, James 036 638 

097 Burnett, James (Swan) 1039 1040 

Brawner, Chas. M. . . 643 64r) 

749 Bruner, John T 930 931 

914 Bell, T. D 984 

1 004 Bamlnn-g, H 487 486 

Billings, Allen L 040 642 

0(H) Burchett, J.R 1024 

1020 Barclay, John H 1027 

J J .^^ Bell, Samuel F 1000 1 008 

qq9 Bruner, Thomas .5.54 .5.5.5 

f,Q^ Burns, A. H (i43 642 

S()c 0" Bennett, Raymond . . 1042 

' ' , '[^-^ Bennett, Chas 954 

^-q"] liarger, Geo. W 719 721 

L^^ Bell, C;eo. W 1000 1007 

Ig^ liell, William II 741 742 

'^^.^ Barger, Calvin J 843 844-949 

(jj'^ Breen, l!). J 748 751 

J,-.^ I'.urton, E. H 0.57 055 

'j^g-. Berry, John H 477 478 

'r^^!^ Brown, Walter L 928 

'l^^ Baird, W. T 009 331 610-12 

9(59 B"-i-y, Geo. W 870 873 

►TQQ Buckingham, i''ratd\M. 83() 

^4(. Bell, John D 928 929 

^^27 Bozarlh, J. M 420 947 

^^<, Black, 1-:. E l()(i() 

ggg liarnhill, l)a\id 1098 

Bethel M. Iv Church, 1108 1167 

Carnagey, Phili]) 991 992 
(jo2-o3 ('„„|j,,,„^ Jei,!)ro 1'. . 1102 

'•■'''•^■''■^ Cornell, .lolm W 935 9:50 



Sketches 

Capijs, l«aac 114() 

Capps, Ci(M). A S04 

Cook, Judfro .lacoli ]{. oWS 

Canlor, Arcliic 1 14S 

Carder, Clyde IMS 

Crawford, \\i!liain M. 7S1 

Curry, ^^■. H 714 

Capps, David 4S3 

Capps, Isaac Xcwton 99(i 

Clevenger, Lewis 83(5 

Crockett, Lou J lltiC) 

Currence, Benjauiin.. (ilS 

(Mrs. M. .M.) 

Charlton, C. H 4S1 

Calhoiui, J. C 1024 

Creason, William ()... oOl 
Cain, Dr. William I. . 1142 

Crow, Isaac AI 700 

Callison, A. E 4S9 

Cody, George W 890 

Calef, John W 1034 

Conkle, George W 499 

(Mrs. A. E.) 

Crow, Alva M 932 

C<irlet.on, John B 477 

Chadwell, John 7o2 

Cain, F. W SOS 

Cain, George W 1040 

Cooley, James A 857 

Cooper, CD 4S9 

Crawford, Judge D. M. 549 

Curtis, David 707 

Coy, James 1083 

Coghill, E. A 1072 

Cunningham, G. B. 971 

Camphell, E. B 975 

Campbell, Raljih 834 

Campbell, Ward C... 975 

Curry, John T 905 

Cunningham, Chas. J... 948 
Campbell, M. D . . . . 781 

Capps, Isaac, 1146 

Callison, Dr. E. C... 627 
Chad wick, Chas. A... 491 

Cornell, S. H 935 

Cunningham, C. C...1153 

Cody, CM 714 

Clarkson, Thom. E. .1096 
Clem, ]Michael G 1018 



Index. 

Cuts Sketches 

Davidson, K 4S5 

807 Darr, Frank M 752 

()()() 973 Davenport, (). ]•:; 1027 

1119 Davis, J. H 886 

1149 Darrow, Fred 5S1 

7S;; l);iiiiels()n,\\illiam . . .1000 

715 Dolan, Robert 840 

Dcvolld, Samuel T. . . . 71S 

999 Dimmit t, Joim V 75() 

837 Davidson, Sam 875 

Downing, U. S. G . . . . 501 

()17 Derfler, Geo. W 496 

Dodson, Dr. Job T.... 711 
Dudley, Albert C . . . 533 

Davis, Geo. A 843 

503 Davis, Chas. 8 1121 

Duti', Dr. John D 533 

702 Dockery, Tiiomas J. 501 

Dooley, E. W 1000 

891 Dye, John C 1142 

1033 Dodson,?. M 481 

498 Dodson, William A. . . 483 

Dod.son, Eli B 481 

933 Derfler, Dr. Morris E. 494 

Davidson, John W....1000 

755 Dickerson, Bedford K. 993 

812 Ditmars, Judge W. C 957 

8-104S-49 Dyer, Albert 875 

Davis, Irwin 507 

488 Dicker,son,PatrickH.T 993 

548 Den.slow, W. M 1118 

706 Evans, William 836 

1084 Elmore, John A 673 

1073 Elmore, Clarence 1 163 

972 Elmore, T.E 1090 

■^76 Elsea Alfred 890 

835-976 Ervin, Harry N 585 

Ellison, Samuel H. . . . 695 

906-07 Ebert, Nelson 489 

•)-'2 Ellis, A. M 836 

780-1109 Elliott, J. D 648 

jEa.sley, F. R 752 

*'28 'Easley, Geo. B 496 

492-93 JEvans, Geo. W 494 

9-57 Ebert, William E 524 

|Eggert, Stephen L. . . . 51 (i 

71!^ Eitel, George W^ 840 

1098 JEndres, Rev. W. D... 940 
1019 lElks Lodge 975 



iis:^ 



754 

887 
582 
1001 
S41 
750 
7(iO 
877 
503-77:'. 

712-13 

534 

S4() 

338 1123 

532 

502-03 



479 

480 
495 

1003 
995 
959 
878 
509 
995 

1119 
S3S 
()75 



892 



488 
839 
649 
753 
497 

523 

517 
S42 
941 

7-78 



1184 



The History of xVdair County. 



Sketches 
Fiirineis Miituul Ins. Co. 1165 
Ea.slcy, 'riionm,'^ M. . .1 ().")() 

Farley, Thomas 724 

Fickol, .]\u\iiv T. W. 5S1 

Fickcl, L.I' ToG 

Forquer, George 703 

Font, William 693 

Fellers, (ic^orse H 651 

Ford, \^■illiam M 648 

Frobes, Chas S80 

John 708 

David 708 

William F 601 

James T 600 

Fugate, John C 607 

Ferguson, CD 1027 

Ferguson, M. L 619 

Frank ford, Henry .... 865 

Fish, John 485 

Fish, Albert V 485 

Fish, Walter E 485 

Fi.sher, Matthias 719 

Frakes, Wilham H. . .1168 
FishcrMrs.Annie(().K) 957 

Fisher, Chas. L 957 

Farmer, James W. . . . 948 



Fegley, 
Fegley, 
Frank, 
Fugate 



COS 



1051 

725 
584 

758 

()94 
055 
649 
884 
710 
710 
602 
-787 
608 

620 
868 
484 
484 
484 



958 



950 



Gardner, Chas. C. . . 


. 631 


632 


Gordon, C. W 


. 728 


731 


Gordon, W. T 


. 724 


726 


(Jreenwood, P. F. . . 


, 788 


789 


Garges, A. H 


. 648 


650 


Givens, Chas. C 


, 700 




CJrisham, Hezekiah. . 


. 909 


910 


Gehrke, Carl 


. 643 


()44 


Gibbs, DeWitt C. . . . 


. 819 


820 


Grassle, Ferd J 


. 587 


590 


(irassle, Albert !•". . . . 


. 589 


590 


Gluok, Herbert 


. 651 


654 


Gashwiler, Dr. J. S.. 


. 634 


635 


Gregg, Lewis 


. 499 




Gordon, Mrs. Mary. . 


. 657 


65() 


Goodwin, James K. . 


. 724 


727-899 


Geist, .\lbert H 


. 491 




Gehrke, August . . . . 


. ()31 


633 


Garloek, Jacob 


. 540 


543 


Griswold, Levi 


. 540 


542 


Griffin, Thomas ^\'. . 


. 533 


532 


CMrs. .\maiiiia.) 







SUelclic: 
Geohcgan, ^^'lliiam M. 774 

Guile, James C' 708 

Gothard, John 657 

Goldberg, Prof. E. M. 711 

Goben, Dr. G. A 771 

(;illiland, F. M 823 

Greenslate, Dr. G. D.1020 
Green.«late, Silas V.102() 
Garloek, Henry (J. . . . 945 

Gibbs, Frank W 685 

Gibb.s, Alonzo 685 

Gibbs, Lonnie F 685 

Green, W. E 

GoldenRuleSch. House 



Hall, B. F.CMrs.E.A.) 

Henley, H. M 

Halladay, W. S 

Hayden, D. Frank . . . 
Houghton, James R. 

Hiu'worth, Geo 

Hamilton, Chas. A. . . 
Heaberlin, Geo. B. . . . 

Hiekman, C. F 

Hart.sock, John N. . . . 
Holmes, Edward P. . . 

Heward, (ieorge 

Hamilton, Dr. H. E. 
Howley, Michael . . . . 
Hanks, Dr. James.... 

Hughes, Chas. W 

Hatcher, J. W 

Hall, Chas. L 

Hickman, Thomas J. 
Higbee, Edward . . . . 

Ii(>nderson, C. L 

Houston, (ieorge 

Hall, H. T 

Hodge, Larke 

Hilt, Harvey S 

Holmes, George L. . . . 
ILaidvs, Warner 
Iloerrmann Jacol) . . . . 

Houston, K. E 

Humphrey, R. G 

Hoerrmann, .\dani . . 

Merman, .\dam 

Handing Nicholas . . . . 
Hickman, Judge J. S 



518 

1157 

1153 

1142 

529 

657 

623 

1016 

513 

535 

526 

1126 

808 

1018 

511 

1083 

554 

979 

945 

930 

769 

870 

578 

646 

690 

905 

732 

804 

935 

575 

804 

799 

1087 

.1034 



Cuts 
776 
710 
658 
715 
772 
825 

1021 



687-88 
689 
686 
778 
920 

519 

1152 

1143 

528 

658 



537 

528 

1129 

811 



1085 
555 
983 
947 
931 

872 
579 
647 
692 
908 
737 
806 
939 

805 

801 

1088 

1036 



Sketchos 

Ilarloss, CJrant 741 

Huston, Daniol H. . . . G64 

Hallor, Francis 51 (> 

Haller, Sanui(>l P. . . . olG 

Hutchins, Ed. J 101(1 

Hughes, Lewis lOlo 

Hughes, ('larence M. (iSl 
H()i)S()n, Judge A. P... ()14-()i;5 
Hibbard, James B. , . .1020 
Hibbard, Samuel .... ()9:i 
Hart, Judge I{. W. 94:) 
Huls(\ Tliomas A. . . . 504 

Howell, \'. J ()()S 

Horton, J. W r,2{\ 

Hollcnbeek, Clias. F. 507 
Halladay, Albert E. 526 

Howard, Chas. C 808 

Henry, B. F G68 

Holton, JohnH 524 

Hediger, John H . . . 634 
Hamilton, Dr. ^^'arren 72S 

Hulse, Alfred 520 

Herren, Albert 1092 

Harmon, Chas 851 

Howey, John R 765 

Hopson, Jesse B 540 

Hess, J. Irving 848 

Hall, Dr. Walter S. 851 
Humphrey, I. H. 1018 

Harrington, F. M . . .1090 
Heiny, B. F 1106 

Imber, Ephriam W..10(i2 

Jones, \\'illiam D. .. 8];:; 

Jones, D 587 

Johnson, Col. W. H... 575 
Johnson, Lemuel .... 816 
Jones, Rev. Ben F. 587 

Judd, V. A 819 

Jones, William H. . . 673 

Jones, E. 605 

Jolmson, John H 928 

James, Calvhi C 816 

Journal Printing Co. 1004 

Kennedy, J. M 690 

Kiddoo, William . . . .1000 
Kimberly, John W. . . 823 

Kibler, Dr. J. I\I 1 066 

Kirk, P. D 707 



Indp:x. 1185 

Cuts Sketclips Cuts 

742 Kirk, John K 222 221-779 

667 Kei)h;irt, .1. 15 1118 

2S,S Kloo.s, Fred () 774 777 

517 Keller, Judge {' . S. C. 827 826-28-29 
Kiniiear, .lames II, . . . 834 

Kirksville Mil. Band. 774 775 

6S2 Kinlocli larm 1075-78-79-80-81 

879 7S5 Koehl, A. J 1163 1164 

Ledford, (ieo. P 1148 

Lediord, John \'. . .1135 1131 
94()-9.')3 I II- 1 T 1 1 1 .)r 

I>(Hiford, Jacob 1135 

Lelir, Ceorge V 1121 1122 

'^';^*„' Latham, A. H 5S9 .591 

■'"^ Laughlin, Dr. Geo. I\1.1075 1()7(1!()77 

Lindsey, Judge H . S. . 893 894 

■|"'' Lorton, I^ayfette 5(55 566 

'. / Lowranee, F. Grove... 719 720 

^^^'■- Ludden, William 922 

Ludden, Joseph M. . . 922 924 925 

Ludden, T. iM 518 923 

730-903 T ■ , J. , 

Luitner, B. A oil ;)12 

'^^l Loeklin, Robert 85i 855 

',^f Lowery, T. C 520 522 

'1^''" Lowe, Obediah 849 S5() 

''^^^ Loveland, Martin E. 698 

Lininger, Edward J. 893 SS9 

837-848 j^,^^^,^,^ Samuel R 698 

Lee, Ralph E 940 942 

Lorton, George 849 837 

'""1 Lewi.s, C. L 1153 

' '"' Lutz, Frank 1072 1074 

10(55 IJoyd, JamesT UK) 1111 

Link, F. L 1004 2S0-1()05 

. ;^ Link, Chas. F 1004 lOOS 

'^f'^] Leon, Mrs. Minnie. . . 1012 

■''''!! Lane, Noah C 1112 

817 

■ -gg Motter, Noah 433 1093 

4,^ J Muir, Dr. Jere T 1163 

'^^ Morelock, E. M. C. . . 433 1125 

,!(j,. Millan, Henry F 623 (526 

,J.,,J Morrow, Forest L. . . . 605 (503-04 

Miller, Sanford J. . . 857-8-9 1138-41 

100(5-07 ^I"Jl^l\v, W. S 601 (503 

Milsfea.l, Robert L. 575 577 

(591-1099 MeCullough, F. H. . . . 578 

1002 Myers, John A 1100 

824 Morelock, Jacob E..1124 1125-37 

10(59 Morelock, Enoch B.1124 1125 

706 Miller, Otis 513 515 



118() 



The History of Adair County. 



Sketches Cuts 

McClanalKUi, ('. B. 578 o8() 

Murfin, Jo.soi)h \V... 540 541 

Malono, T. 10 507 50(3 

Mufsson, \\illiaiii T. M() 

Marble, L. W 518 

Muncll, Chas. E 627 ()2',) 10 U 

Miller, Horaco L 081 1)84 

Moore, F. R 196 497 ():i9 

Merifleth, Hiifih 556 557 558 

Moody, Lewis ¥ 496 497 969 

Morrow. A. T 1100 

(Mrs. .\nnie) 

Moyer, 8. E 1096 1097 

Miller. Tlioinas 507 508 

Miller. Peter L 996 998 

McCalin, Harry C. 732 738-4-5 

MeDaiiield, Mrs.E.A. 491 490 

Martin, Dr. W. W. . . 673 ()72 

McClanahan, Robert 917 921 

Markey, Judge C. E. 491 490 

Magers, Joseph G 513 514 

Mills, John C 565 

Motter, William H. 791 793 

Miller, Marion C 535 53() 1120 

Miller, Raphael M...1058 1059 

McKeehan. Samuel R. 962 963-64 

Melleynolds, Joseph 1100 1101 

McClelland, Allen (i. 499 500 

McPhetridge. William 827 830 

Myers, Mrs. R. A.. . 913 916 

Miller, J.V 908-12 

May, Wash 681 683 

Mauck, John 1132 1133 

McCall, John M 738 740 

Munn, Dr. W. E 784 786 

McClay, Franklin .1042 1044-45 

Morgan John J. ... 816 818 

MeCoy, Ceorge W. . ()90 ()8() 

Minter, R 646 

Miller. John D 1011 

M. W. A. Lodge., 

McClay, 1). F 432 

Motter, Joseph C. . .1146 



Novinfter, Isaac 435 

Xovinger, Jacob 15. . .1046 
Novinger, Daniel D.l()22 
Xovinger, James 11. . '.IS7 

Novinger, James 1062 

Novinger, I. .V 719 

N^o\inger, Joseph E. 524 



705 

1013 

1093 1147 

1093 

1047-93-94 

1023 95 

O.SS- 10(11 

iO()3 (1-1 

723 

9S,S 



Sketches Cuts 

Novinger, Samuel A. 695 696-989-90 

Newton, Samuel 535 538 

Newton, Judge G. W. 979 982 

Nunn, Dr. J. C 1150 

Neely, p]verett E 707 

Niece, William F 823 822 

Norfolk, John T 940 943 

Newcomb, Leonard... 967 970 



Otto, Walter B 1058 

Otto, D. P 843 

Otto, W. H 843 

Ownbey, Benjamin F. 761 

Ownbey, Canada 7()5 

Orcutt, C. S 928 

Patterson, Jane E. . . 965 
Phipps, Richard T. . .1034 
Piekler, Samuel M. . 511 
Pichcn.s, David M.. . .1142 

Platz, M. W^ 813 

Propst, Robert 857 

Propst, Amos 544 

Propst, Homer ^' . . . 636 

Propst, John 529 

Propst, Reuben W. . .1102 

Pemberton, T. () 843 

Paine, Tyler 504 

Phillips, William F. .1106 

Patterson, John 520 

Pevehouse, F. A 1096 

Porter, Ro.ss W 529 

Price, Ellsworth K. . . 664 

Parish, Frank T 1009 

Porter, Judge John L. 5()1 

Patterson, M. M 1011 

Prosser, G. A 948 

Parrish, Dr. Bert B. . 524 
Parrish, Dr. A. W.. . 967 

Pure .\ir Draft 

Hor.se (V). . . 

Quinn, William 114s 

(^linn. Dr. E. S 979 

Reynolds, Alfre.l . . .1132 
Hisdon, Audrey D.,..1053 
Risdon, .\mandus 1). 659 
Ho.seberry, J. F 659 



Haiiier, Jobe 

Kainer, George L. 



769 

875 



1061 
845 
845 
369 763 
764 
929 

96(3 
1 035 

HO 1037 



860 
545 

531 

1103 

847 

505 904 

1108 

295 521 

530 

665 ()6() 

1010 

')(V4 10S2 

949 
525 
9()8 

934 



980-81 

1133 
1055 
6()1 
663 
770 
S60 



Hilev, James W 1102 



Sketches 

Uicc, Thoinas S lOU 

Ross, H. H S5l 

Hilcy, .loliii n 640 

\Uhh\, \\. W. SSO 

Hainwatcr, .loliii M. lOlS 
l\()l)('rts, liciijamin . . (U).') 

Kicdnl, !{('('(•(• A 7(37 

Hal lift', .Jolin T ()3() 

Kced, Judge S. ,1 S27 

Hidgway, C. W 4S7 

RatliPf, Forest H (511) 

Rice, Eugene 75(i 

Riegor, P. J 7S4 

Rieger, James E ri'SIi 

Reed, Edwin 962 

Reynolds, John T. ... 592 

Russell. Frank W 909 

Riley, J. B 7()7 

Ro.ss, William A 1024 

Rcosman, B. F 993 

Ross, F. F. . . . 659 

Rorabaugh, Ed 714 

Rouner, A. W S86 

Reedal, George G 893 

Reynolds, William S. 865 
Rankin, Dr. H. J... . 659 
Rinehart, Edwin .S..1009 
Rice, Columbus F. ...1022 

Reed, James H 1115 

Rombaurer, M. T. . . . 
Smelser, Charles A. .1144 
rfhelton, Judge N. M..1154 

Sublette, D. W 1159 

Sublette, Peter J 11.59 

Sloan, Erbin E 1110 

Samuels, Robert H. .1106 

Seat, George S 1166 

Stukey, Joseph N.. . . 781 
Sands, Judge Jacob.. 971 

Shoop, S. F 1087 

Slau.son, Reuben A. . . 965 
Stephens, Clarence J. 774 
Shirley, William E. . .1150 
Smith, Rev. J(;}ni H.1168 

Saddler, John 738 

Smith, Cieorge Wall . 905 

Smith, Albert 840 

Schoene, L. E 1042 

Scofield, Abel 664 

Schillie, Lewis 1030 



Index. 1187 

Cuts Sketches I'uls 

1010 SiH'iiccr, C. 1 940 

850 Still, Dr. Marry M...101() 1017 

(111 Smith, D.aniel 875 87() 

885 Sees, James 1083 108t) 

1019 Sohn, George H 8(55 8ii9 

()()(•) Saiilxirn, .\. () 987 

St roup, Fraidc A 570 571 

637 Sliryark, M. C 700 701 

785 107! Scolt, Jacob W 9()5 

18C) Shively, C. II. 922 926 

Sii)ple, L. B 1030 1032 

757 Selby, H ()98 699 1056 

785 1 105 Smoot, John D 732 

539 Sherman, Henry 984 985 

963 9()4 Shoop, Raymond .... 771 

.593 Shouse, Henry P 813 814 

911 Shouse, Allen H.... 1126 1130 

7()8 Stewart, Reese S 788 790 

Smith, Orie J 677 678 

994 Shoop, WAX ()46 ()47 

()62 Shumaker, J. () 1148 

717 927 Shumate, Sanmel F. 592 594 1070 

883 Sandry, W. J 886 888 

892 Sandry, W. J., Sr 886 

867 Snyder, Col. John W. 795 796 

(i()0 Sil)ole, .Jasper L 819 794 

1010 Sibole, Jasper N 791 794 

Sanders, Joseph J. . . . 808 810 

Spencer, Thomas J. . 851 853 

1156 Steele, William H. ... 870 871 

Sanders, Thomas J. . 795 797 

Shillig, Frank 1 126 1 128 

1160-61 Sneed, Gilbert 1135 

1160-61 t^tory, A. L 714 716 

Stahl, Judge S. F 954 955-56 1155 

1108 Smith, Jefferson 890 889 

Sefrit, James H 567 569 

782 Swain, E. E 487 486 

1057 Sees, David 965 

1089 1120 Sparling, J. N 898 900 901 

966 1137 Sublette, T. E 627 284 

777 Shockey, J. A 673 676 

Sparling, Dr. G. A. 554 555 

11(57 Steiner, Cha.s. F 619 622 (547 

739 Shoop, Judge Jacob H. 831 833 785 

01 Spears, O. P 1 053 1054 

S3() Spears, A. C 1053 1054 

1043 Scobee, Robert G... 572 573 
667 Sykes, Melvin B. . . . 767 

1033 Sands, Chas. S 5(51 5()2 563 



1188 



The History of Adair County. 



8' 


kolehos 


Cul.s 


St(>i)hcns()n, Dr. W. T, 


. 567 


568 


Stephenson, B. H. . . . 


sso 


881-82-83 


Spencer, Walter E. . . . 


t)77 


679 


Still, Dr. Cha.s. E 


101 :^ 


1015 


Still, Dr. \. T 




1014 


Stahl School House. . 




974 


Shibleys Point Scli.II. 




848 


Still, Dr. Cu'o. A 


1 (),')() 


10.52 


Shooj), (ieorge 




1(H)4 


Tinsman, John W. . . 


7t)l 


762 


Tudor, A. C 


.567 




True, J. M 


623 


()24 


Threlkcld, James M.1146 




Turner, William P. . , 


.570 


569 


Thrasher, John W. . , 


, .5,54 


553 


Thompson, James J 


. .59.5 


.597 


Thompson, Joseph M 


. 598 


599 


Thompson, Chas. D... 


. 744 


747 


Thompson, C. D 


1165 




Tuttle, George 


1030 


1031 


Tolman, Mr. and Mrs. 


1115 


11H)-17 


Vawter, Col — 


634 


633 


Vawter, W. S 


1112 


111.3-14 


Virden, Benjamin H 


. 932 


931 


Vaughn, Samuel A. . 


. .595 


596 


Vandiver, L. W 


728 


729 


Vanlaningham, D. T 


.1165 




Vanlaningham, G. W 


.1022 




Vanlaningham, Thos 


.1121 


1122 


Williams, George F. 


, 854 


856 


Waddill, James E. . . 


. .581 




Walters, William .... 


,1162 




Williams, Geo. W. . . 


. 799 


,S0() 


Williams, James M. 


. 913 


915 


Wells, James J 


. 614 


(•)15 16 


Waddill, James W... 


. 640 




Waddill, L. M 


. 619 


62! 


Woods, Chester 


. 791 


792 


Woods, C. T 


. 865 


866 


Wilson, J. W 


, 861 


864 


Waddill, Jolm W 


. ()27 


(•)3() 


Wat.son, ( Ico. W. . . 


. .595 


.596 


Watkins, Beiij. R. . . 


. 861 


S(i2 


Waddill, Ray C. . . . 


. 695 




Waddill, William . . . 


.1166 




Wharton, David J.. 


. 909 


912 


\\:i<iilill, John .\. . . 


544 




Wchcr, Michael .... 


. 572 


574 


Wren, Miss Rilla . . . 


.1092 


530 


Wilson, John S. . . . . 


.1166 




Wilson, Thomas S. 


. 546 


.547 



Sketches 
Wellborn, James A. , . 935 
Wilson, Hcrl)ert T. . .11.50 

Willis, Luther M 711 

Willco.x, Dr. C. M. C. 668 

White, N. L 572 

Wellman, James ..... 8() 1 
Wilkins, Albert M.... 756 
Walker, Thomas J. . . 546 

Workman, B. F or>V) 

Wallace, John H 1102 

Walters, Edward F. . 556 
Wallace, Samuel .... 813 

(Mrs. Julia) . . 
Waddill, Jacob F. . , . .549 
Welch, Margaret C. .1110 
Walker, Daniel M.... .546 
Walters, Henry L. . . .1162 

Wallace, Heiu'y 917 

Walters, Lewis 677 

\\al1ers, George W. . 993 
Wilson, Prof. J. D... 11.58 
Winslow, W. C. R... S(il 
Weatherby, Cilenn C. 601 
Wallace, William. ... 913 

Weber, Philip 799 

Weaver, Samuel W. . 960 
Weaver, Joseph C-. . . . 9()() 

Willis George W 1135 

Wellman, N. B 1166 

Waddill, Emery D. . . 917 

A\a.ldill, John T 549 

Worman, Henry C. . .1027 
Willey, Samuel T. . . . .544 

Willcox, Elijah 744 

Woodmen Drill Team 1024 
Wilsontown Baptist Church 

Wimber, Elisha 

Weaver, John C 1154 

Wright, C. n 1154 

Yowell, Jesse () 991 

Young, William 748 

^'oung, John C 708 

Young, Chas. G 703 

Yowell, James 1 932 

Yowell, Henry L 1087 

Young, George 1096 

Young James 

Young, William H. . . 769 

Zeigler, Chas. 1'^ 585 

Zeiilz, Sylvester ()18 

Zeniz, \.n 831 



Cuts 

9.38 

713 
()71 
576 
862 
759 
.547 
560 
1104 
559 



552-53 



.548 



920 
680 



86.3 
602 
916 
802-3 
961 
961 
1136 

919 

.550-51 1131 

1028 1029 

745 
1025 

944 
1061 

11.55 

719 
709 
.340 
!».31 

1097 
1151 

770 

617 

832 



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